String of deaths at Lake Pleasant unusual, officials say

By Scott Daniels
Published: Friday, June 3, 2022 - 12:47pm

Lake Pleasant
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation
Lake Pleasant in northwest Maricopa County.

Six people have died on Lake Pleasant. Five of those victims were not wearing a life vest.

Peoria Fire-Medical spokesman Mark Barbee says that this string of deaths was unusual for Lake Pleasant.

It’s the largest, most frequently visited lake in Maricopa County. Officials say it warrants additional staff on busy holidays.

“Events like Fourth of July will have dozens of extra people out there just because of the tens of thousands of people that will visit the lake on Fourth of July," Barbee said.

He added that, already, more people have drowned at Lake Pleasant this year than last and warns visitors to wear a life vest and to bring a regional map.

Tourism