Authorities have recovered a young man's body after a jet ski crash at Saguaro Lake on Saturday.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office received reports that a 21-year-old jet ski rider was hit by a fishing boat, officials said. The man was thrown from the jet ski and hadn’t been seen since.
Kelly Slade spoke to ABC15 about her son’s disappearance. She explained that family members set up camp at a nearby fishing dock and wouldn't leave until the victim, Josh Slade, was found.
MCSO tweeted that Slade's body was recovered Monday morning.
According to an MCSO spokesperson, Josh wasn’t wearing a flotation device at the time of the crash. He was planning on getting in one final ride before turning in for the night.
Josh’s family members said that asking people to stay away from the lake while they search had been one of their biggest struggles over the last few days. According to officials, the night is the best time to search because the majority of boaters are gone and the water is calmer.
A GoFundMe has been set up to go towards Josh’s funeral expenses and other financial burdens that the Slade family may encounter during this difficult time.
The page described Josh as being an “adventurous, an amazing showman and fierce competitor, loving, sweet and a laugh that anyone who met would never forget.”
His mother said he was very active in 4-H, a nonprofit youth organization, and raised livestock for the last 12 years. In 2013, he won the World Pork Expo.
"He changed lives in this community," Kelly said.
She described him as a "service-minded individual" and explained that he was always available for anyone that needed him.
"He's with his brother and they're rejoicing in Heaven," Kelly said. "And we're going to be sad and we will get through this with our faith."
Kelly's other son was tragically killed in a quad accident 13 years ago.
