The 7-year-old was located in the water shortly after 7 p.m. following an urgent search near Granite Dells.
PRESCOTT, Ariz. — A 7-year-old child was found dead in a creek Thursday evening after wandering away from a home near Highway 89 and Granite Dells, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded shortly before 6 p.m. Aug. 13 after receiving an urgent report that the child had left the home and was believed to be heading toward a nearby creek. Authorities immediately launched a large search operation that included swift-water rescuers. The child was found in the water shortly after 7 p.m., the sheriff’s office said.
First responders began lifesaving measures after locating the child, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not publicly identified the child, and the sheriff’s office has released limited information about the circumstances surrounding the death.
The search involved the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency personnel in the Prescott area. The sheriff’s office also thanked agencies and community members who helped with the search after the child was reported missing.
Authorities have not said how the child reached the creek or provided a detailed timeline of the child’s movements after leaving the home. The sheriff’s office also has not publicly released information explaining how long the child may have been in the water before rescuers arrived.
No official cause of death had been announced as of Saturday. Although the child was found in the creek and lifesaving measures were attempted, authorities have not released medical findings establishing the specific cause of death. Officials also have not announced any indication of criminal activity in connection with the incident.
The search centered on an area near Highway 89 and Granite Dells in Prescott after deputies were told the child might be heading toward the creek. The sheriff’s office did not publicly identify the specific home involved or provide the exact location where rescuers found the child.
The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to the child’s family, friends and loved ones following the unsuccessful rescue effort. The agency described the outcome as devastating and thanked first responders and volunteers who helped during the search.
The child’s identity remained withheld as of Aug. 15, and authorities had not announced additional findings about the death. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said no further details were immediately available beyond its account of the search and recovery.
Author note: Last updated August 15, 2026.