22yo Rafter Lost on Verde River Rescued

CAMP VERDE - A 22-year-old Phoenix man who fell off an inflatable raft on the Verde River Friday was found hours later in good shape.

At 6:45 p.m. Friday, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office was notified that one person in a group of four had fallen off a raft while floating from Camp Verde to the Sheep Bridge in Bloody Basin.

The rafter had not been seen or heard from since 4 p.m. Members of his group had tried in vain to find him, and called YCSO for help.

The rafter had been last seen in an area inaccessible from the road, closed due to eagle nesting and breeding.

So, YCSO requested the help of the DPS Ranger helicopter to search aerially for the missing rafter.

22-year-old Nicholas Stellar was found about 9:30 p.m., about 300 yards south of his friends. His friends were directed to him and foot and returned him to their campsite.

Stellar was not hurt, although he was chilled from falling in the water. He was wearing a life jacket.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Verde River is currently flowing 5 times its normal speed.