MISSING DRIVER IN CORDES LAKES FLASH FLOOD FOUND DECEASED

Published on November 19, 2025

UPDATE 11/20 2pm - The search for the missing driver, identified as David Otero, 74, ended tragically this afternoon. After a multi-day, multi-agency effort involving more than 80 volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel, Yavapai County Search and Rescue teams located Mr. Otero’s body along Big Bug Creek near its intersection with the Agua Fria River, approximately 6 miles from where he and his vehicle were last seen after being swept away by Tuesday’s severe weather and flash flood waters.

Mr. Otero went missing on Tuesday afternoon after driving into rapidly moving flood waters on Big Bug Creek in the Cordes Lakes area. Despite nearly two days of continuous searching across challenging terrain, SAR teams maintained their efforts with professionalism and unwavering commitment.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the Otero family during this difficult time. We also express our sincere gratitude to the dedicated SAR volunteers and partner agencies, including Central Arizona Fire and Medical, Mayer Fire, and AZDPS, who helped and provided resources to help bring closure to the family.

UPDATE 11/19 4 PM - Using YCSO K9 units, backcountry unit on foot, 4x4 teams, and drones. Air support is on standby but limited due to severe weather .

– The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) is engaged in a search operation for a missing elderly man after his vehicle entered flash flood waters on Big Bug Creek in Cordes Lakes yesterday afternoon. At approximately 3:00 PM on November 18th, residents near the E. Fremont Drive and Thunderbird Trail crossing called 9-1-1 to report a vehicle being swept away in raging floodwaters. YCSO Deputies immediately responded and located a small sedan being carried away with two adult males on or near the trunk. The situation became critical as the vehicle began to turn over in the strong current. A YCSO Deputy who had just arrived on scene took swift action, stepping into the surging water and successfully pulling one male subject to safety. The rescued man reported he had attempted to assist the driver after the vehicle drove into the flowing waters and was being swept away. The driver, described as an elderly male, was last seen as the car was carried further down the creek. Search Efforts: The vehicle continued downstream, eventually lodging against a tree approximately two miles from the point of entry. Swift Water Rescue teams from YCSO Search and Rescue and partner agencies searched for the vehicle but found no occupants. Deputies were able to identify the vehicle's owner, a 70-year-old Cordes Lakes resident. A family member confirmed that the individual left his residence around 3:00 PM and never reached his destination. Yavapai Search and Rescue (SAR) units, along with Fire and rescue teams, have searched both banks of Big Bug Creek from the vehicle's entry point to where it came to rest and beyond. SAR units are continuing search efforts today along Big Bug Creek and the Agua Fria River. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes the extreme danger posed by current conditions. Please avoid the area near Big Bug Creek due to extremely hazardous water conditions and allow emergency personnel to continue their critical search operations. Please help keep yourself safe by exercising caution and avoiding dangerous areas throughout the county during this week's hazardous weather event.