Overview

• More than 200 people gathered Sunday night at Waterman's Wash in Rainbow Valley to remember the 42-year-old father, husband, and friend.
• Upton was swept away on Oct. 12 while trying to cross the flooded wash on Narramore Road, and deputies located his body on Oct. 13 a considerable distance from his truck.
• A Maricopa County deputy said about 1.3 inches of rain sent water up to the truck’s hood, and the pressure likely prevented escape and blew out windows and the windshield.
• Dozens of volunteers joined the search with off-road vehicles and personal drones, with local groups such as Arizona Foothills 911 coordinating efforts.
• Family members and neighbors are urging infrastructure upgrades such as a bridge and warning systems at the single-access crossing to reduce future risk.