Arizona cyclist survives being swept under flooded bridge

A 20-year-old female cyclist survived after being swept underwater while attempting to cross a flooded bridge in Sabino Canyon, Arizona, on August 13. According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, the woman and her family were riding bicycles when the rushing water swept her and her bike beneath the bridge.

During the rescue attempt, a bystander who jumped in to help was also caught in the powerful current and dragged approximately 100 feet downstream. The 20-year-old victim was unresponsive after being pulled from the water and required CPR to regain consciousness.

Two patients were transported to a local hospital by the Rural Metro Fire Department and are reported to be in stable condition. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos issued a warning regarding the dangers of attempting to cross flooded bridges, stating, “Fast-moving water is extremely dangerous and puts you and first responders at risk.”