Yesterday, I began hearing rumors that Detective Esteban Flores’s 15-year-old son had died in a zip lining accident. I looked for an official news report and did not find one. I did not want the story to be true and I did not want to report it.
Tonight, sadly, I was sent confirmation. Click through for the details…
From CBS5 in Phoenix :
PHOENIX (CBS5) – A 15-year-old member of a Queen Creek Boy Scout troop died on Saturday after going down a zip line.
Tony Flores was among a group staying at a private cabin in the Forest Lakes community about 60 miles northeast of Payson.
Larry Abbott, the CEO of the Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts of America, told CBS 5 News that two adult leaders were preparing a zip line when the accident happened. Abbott says the adults told four boys to wait while they went inside a cabin to get helmets and bungee cords which are used for the braking system.
Abbott said the boys decided to hop on the line with Flores going first. He struck a tree and sustained head trauma.
“They had procedures all in place,” said Abbott. “It was one of those tragic things where kids are trying to be kids.”
Abbott says two boys ran to help Flores while one rushed into the cabin to get the adults who performed CPR and called 911. Flores was pronounced dead at the Payson Medical Center.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Spokesman Gerry Blair said his department is investigating.
“Any death like that is devastating, not just to the victim, but to the victim’s family and to the people who are around him, so certainly it’s very unfortunate that it occurred,” he said.
CBS 5 News has learned that Flores was the son of Mesa Police Detective Esteban Flores, who has been a key witness in the Jodi Arias murder trial.
Earlier this month, 21-year-old Katelyn Conrad died while rappelling with a group from Arizona State University. She was the daughter of Phoenix Police Lt. Robert Conrad. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating Conrad’s death.
Wow, that is so sad. Also, apologies. It’s been a very busy day here and I just realized I forgot to recap the trial today. I’ll try to see what I can do about that tomorrow maybe. I know they had it and that Juan was still up. It’s just that the beginning of the week is very busy and I am still trying to fix the moderation problem with WordPress.
TT I live here in Phoenix actually Scottsdale and sadly it is true. It’s a terrible thing. We are lighting candels here in the Valley for Flores and his family
No Parent should go through this SO PLEASE be strong love from CANADA ERIC O ONEIL
So sad for Tony and his family. They’re in my prayers.
Devastating.
So heartbreaking!
It is always sad when a child gets injured or tragically hurt from just doing fun kid things. They are what life is about, and it is hard to understand when stuff like this happens. I feel bad for the family and will keep them in my prayers.
This is horrific & extremely tragic news. I pray he finds comfort in his faith & knowing that countless people who have come to respect & adore him are praying for him. My sincere condolences to Detective Flores & his family.
Damn. No parent should have to lay a child to rest. My sympathies and wishes of comfort to Detective Flores and his family.
My heart breaks for this family. Losing a child under any circumstance is something that no parent will ever be able to come to terms with. When my daughter died last year someone sent me a note that said, when a husband or wife dies we call them a widow/widower, children who lose their parents we can use the term orphan. There is no word for a parent who loses a child & sadly you just hang on one step & one breath at a time. Praying for peace & comfort for this family in the days & weeks ahead.
Lisa… a beautiful post…. So sorry for your loss. Life is so fleeting. As a Catholic (TT, please forgive me for expressing my religious ideologies), I truly believe we will all be together in another life. Hugs to you!
Oh my that is truly tragic! So sad, what a freak accident! If only they had waited for the safety equipment I wonder if he could have been saved!
very sad.
A chid holds their parent’s hand for a little while but holds their heart forever.
Heartbreaking.
🙁 my heart goes out to the family.
So heartbreaking…. I am praying for the family to have the strength to get through this horrific tragedy.
What an absolute tragedy!
So heartbreaking for Det. Flores and his family. I can’t imagine having to bury a child. I’ve heard the saying…When you lose a parent, you’ve lost your past. When you lose a spouse, you lose your present, but when you lose a child, you lose your future. They are in my prayers.
TT: KNOW YOU SHARE THE SAME TEACHER TRAINING, to NEVER TRUST THE KIDS TO DO THE SAFE THING when left alone. WHY WERE THEY LEFT ALONE?
BOY SCOUTS CULPABLE, SADLY.
I agree. This was completely avoidable, so very sad 🙁
No, he was 15 years old, knew what the rules were and able to understand why.
The 15 yr old made the choice to behave stupidly. It’s on him.
It’s very devastating lesson.
This is the thinking that has led to so many irresponsible young adults.
That is such sad news. My heart goes out to the family.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I’ve never even been able to imagine losing one of my children. It’s so horrific my brain can’t even contemplate it. I wonder how long it will take the JA followers to say it’s b/c of his work on her case?
I read some of the twitter feeds this morning and that Abe guy is suppose to testify today. He’s the bald headed guy that was all over HLN during the trial. Of course the defense was protesting so the trial wasn’t even going to start until 3:00 their time. As you say, because Arizona.
how sad…my heart is breaking for the family.
Bless you all as a loving family eric oneil Canada