Arizona Department of Public Safety Investigators are looking into a collision that was caused when a 2002 Ford Escort heading northbound on SR 288 moved right, slammed into a barrier wall, went over the wall & vaulted off the roadway into the Salt River.

18 year old Mathew Stuve of Globe/Miami became trapped in the vehicle after it hit the water. He died at the scene. His body was recovered with the assistance of the Gila County Sheriffs Office Dive team.

18 year old Randal Philpot of Globe/Miami was also in the vehicle as it sank into the river however he was able to get to shore. He was treated for his injuries at Maricopa Medical Center.

The accident happened at about 8:30 am on April 1st. It was unclear who was at the wheel at the time of the collision but the vehicle was registered to Randal Philpot’s father.
Alcohol or drugs may have been a factor and the investigation is ongoing.