News Summary
The body of Richard ‘Rick’ Powers, a 65-year-old paddleboarder missing since August 17, has been recovered from Saguaro Lake. Search efforts included multiple agencies and uncovered his personal belongings near a familiar paddle route. Friends and family remember Powers for his dedication to the sport and community involvement. Investigators are looking into the possibilities surrounding his death, with speculation of a medical emergency. The paddleboarding community mourns his loss, reflecting on his positive impact and camaraderie.
Arizona – The body of a missing paddleboarder, Richard “Rick” Powers, 65, has been recovered at Saguaro Lake, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Powers was last seen near Boat Ramp 1 in the Tonto National Forest around 5:45 a.m. on August 17.
Authorities discovered Powers’ paddleboard and personal belongings later on the south side of the lake, near Captain’s Nook. The body was located close to what is believed to be his regular route on the lake, indicating that he was familiar with the area. The search efforts for Powers involved multiple agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol Division, Border Patrol Search and Trauma Rescue teams, specialty canines, and remote-operated underwater vehicles.
Next of kin have been informed about the recovery, although the cause and manner of death are still under investigation. Currently, no additional details have been made available to the public. According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office, Powers’ date of death is recorded as August 20.
Powers was remembered by friends and family as a dedicated athlete and a loyal friend, respected within the paddleboarding community. He had a longstanding routine of paddling early in the morning as part of his training for an upcoming fall race in Parker, Arizona. His brother noted that Powers was a creature of habit with specific procedures he followed for his paddling sessions.
From the perspective of the local community, Powers was not only a passionate paddleboarder but also an active volunteer at No Snow Paddleboard Shop, where he was a close friend to many. His contributions and leadership on their paddleboard race team garnered him respect and admiration from fellow paddleboarders. The paddleboarding community’s response to his disappearance reflected a strong sense of camaraderie as friends and customers shared their favorite memories about him at local shops.
While the circumstances surrounding Powers’ death remain uncertain, there is speculation among his friends that he may have suffered a medical emergency such as a heart attack or stroke, which prevented him from activating his life vest while on the water. This theory is being considered as investigators await the results of the ongoing examination.
Saguaro Lake, located approximately one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona, is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including paddleboarding. The search for Powers attracted considerable attention, prompting many in the outdoor community to rally together in search efforts and support for his family. The local paddleboarding community has expressed its profound sorrow over his loss, highlighting the impact of his dedication and kindness.
As the investigation continues, the paddleboarding community mourns the loss of Richard “Rick” Powers, a man whose passion for the sport and strong friendships left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZCentral
- Wikipedia: Saguaro Lake
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Richard Rick Powers
- KTAR News
- Google Scholar: Paddleboarding Safety
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Paddleboarding
- AZ Family Video
- Google News: Saguaro Lake
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
