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Sheriff’s deputies identified a man who died after his vehicle crashed into a pond in Sun City West.
Harry Gordon Thompson 93, of Sun City West, was pronounced dead at the hospital Tuesday night.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said he was attempting to park at the Fry’s near R.H. Johnson Boulevard and Camino Del Sol when his vehicle accelerated for some reason, crashing into a wall and winding up into a pond that is part of Hillcrest Golf Club.
Bystanders tried to help in the moments after the vehicle went into the pond. Arizona Fire & Medical Authority and Surprise Fire-Medical Department crews responded, breaking a back window to pull Mr. Thompson and his 93-year-old female passenger out of the vehicle.
Mr. Thompson was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. His passenger was alert but was transported as a precaution.
County Assessor records indicate that Mr. Thompson shared a home in Sun City West with his wife.
MCSO is still investigating how the incident occurred. AFMA Fire Marshal Eric Kriwer said they believe Mr. Thompson had a medical event, but officials are unsure if it occurred before or after crashing through the wall.
A firefighter sustained minor lacerations during the rescue.
According to an autopsy released Jan. 7, 2020, Mr. Thompson died of drowning that occurred in the setting of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, with his age and lung emphysema as contributory factors. The report said although an air pocket was described as being visible in the back seat area of the submerged vehicle, Mr. Thompson was also described as having been fully-submerged under water during the extrication process for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
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