Teenager drowns in Arizona lake during trip with football team

A 15-year-old high school football player drowned Monday while visiting an Arizona lake with his team, authorities said.

Christopher Hampton’s body was recovered from Show Low Lake at 2 p.m. Tuesday, nearly 18 hours after he vanished beneath the reservoir’s surface, according to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.

The teenager was at the White Mountains area lake, roughly 180 miles east of his home in Phoenix.

He was enjoying the lake with his Cesar Chavez High School teammates and staff members after a day of practicing at an athletic camp that was being hosted at a nearby high school.

Hampton “went missing” just before 8 p.m., Phoenix Union High School District spokesman Richard Franco told Arizona Family.

Numerous agencies responded to the scene and deployed a dive team, air support and boats in their search for Hampton.

The sheriff’s office said officers searched by “boat, ground, and air” through the night until he was found Tuesday afternoon.

Hampton’s coach described the teenager as a positive person and a dedicated player.

“This is my man Chris. He never missed practice and always came in with an infectious smile,” William Chipley wrote on Twitter.

“Chris was using football to find his way in life and he absolutely loved the game. It’s kids like Chris that give me my ‘why’ to coach football. Chris will live in our hearts forever.”

The Phoenix Union High School District said it is cooperating with Hampton’s ongoing death investigation.

“We wish to express our sympathy to his family and friends that are grieving this loss. This tragedy impacts all communities that we serve,” the district said in a statement.

“PXU continues to offer emotional support for students, staff, and families impacted. Christopher was a friend, athlete, and kind young man that will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.”

Hampton is the second Cesar Chavez High School community death in just two months.

Cheerleader Desiree Rivas, 17, was shot and killed after she left a graduation party in May.

Her killer is still on the lam and the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.