Man walks into Salt River, drowns

SALT RIVER, AZ – Authorities say a man drowned in the Salt River east of the Valley on Sunday.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Pedro A. Ramos-Chaves had waded into the shallow water of the river and as he continued to walk into deeper water he began to struggle.

Witnesses began swimming toward him to help but before they got to him Ramos-Chaves went under water and did not resurface.

Witnesses dove into the water to try and find the victim but their attempts were unsuccessful, according to authorities.

MCSO divers responded to the scene and the victim’s body was found in about 10 feet of water. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

MCSO says deputies learned Ramos-Chaves had been extremely intoxicated when he went into the river.

The case will remain open pending the results of the Medical Examiner’s investigation.