MCSO: Joshua Williams goes missing while floating down river near Valley

CAREFREE, AZ - Authorities are searching for a man who disappeared while inner tubing down the Lower Salt River.

Joshua Williams, 22, went missing around Old Sheep Bridge , according to Officer Christopher Hegstrom with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. That's roughly the center of the Lower Salt River recreation area in the Tonto National Forest.

Hegstrom said Williams was tubing with a group of 12 to 15 friends. They tied their tubes together with rope, but at some point were separated.

Getting separated on the river is common, Hegstrom said.

Williams was last seen sometime between 4 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Friends called authorities when he didn't show up again.

Rescue teams have been searching for him by air, on land, and in water since Monday. They continued the search Tuesday when the sun came up. 

Hegstrom said divers were not being used Tuesday because rescue crews were concentrating on searching the surrounding land.

At 5 a.m., about a dozen members of the rescue team gathered at the Sheriff's station near the Salt River to go over logistics. 

A deputy at the command post said between 14 to 21 rescuers were searching the area near old Sheep Bridge and Mud Cliffs. Rescuers searched with an airboat, by foot, on horseback, and using ATVs.

According to MCSO, friends told them that Williams was not under the influence of alcohol.

Williams is described as a black male, 6-feet-3-inches tall, roughly 200 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black jean shorts, and black tennis shoes.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts is encouraged to call MCSO at 602-876-1011.

Hegstrom said Williams moved to the Valley, from Chicago, about six months ago. Hegstrom said Williams resides in Chandler.