Community mourns Buckeye man swept away in floodwaters

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Vince Upton, who was swept away by sudden floodwaters in Buckeye on Sunday while trying to get home.

After days of searching by rescue crews, relatives and community members, Upton was found and brought home to his family.

Loved ones describe Upton as a devoted husband, father, uncle and friend — “the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone else,” relative Auston Patterson said. “He had a heart as big as his laugh and a presence that filled every room.”

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help support the Upton family as they navigate what loved ones called “an unimaginable loss.” Organizers say donations and messages of support will help the family through the difficult days ahead. It had raised more than $23,000 toward a $30,000 goal by 4 p.m. Tuesday.