I thought this could be it”: Swimmer nearly drowns after stranger violently holds her underwater during cliff dive, nephew watches in horror, police say

A Memorial Day weekend outing at a popular Arizona cliff-diving destination turned into a terrifying near-death experience when a woman was allegedly attacked and held underwater by another swimmer during an argument near a climbing rope used by visitors to jump into the river. According to police, the victim feared she would drown as her young nephew watched the incident unfold in horror.

The incident occurred on May 24 at the Mud Cliffs area along the Salt River in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, a well-known recreation and cliff-diving spot that attracts large crowds during holidays and weekends.

Popular Swimming Area Became Scene of Violent Confrontation

According to investigators, the victim, Robyn Soden, was waiting near a climbing rope that visitors use to access cliff-jumping locations when a disagreement broke out with another woman. Police identified the suspect as Beyonce Burruel.

Soden later explained that she had been patiently waiting her turn when tensions suddenly escalated.

She told local media that she and her family members were enjoying the day when another group allegedly began creating problems. Her nephew and niece were nearby when the confrontation started.

Victim Claims Suspect Grabbed Her Hair and Forced Her Underwater

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by authorities, the dispute quickly became physical.

Investigators say Burruel allegedly grabbed Soden by the hair and forced her underwater, preventing her from breathing. Police documents state that the victim was held beneath the water’s surface for approximately 30 seconds to one minute.

Soden described the frightening moments in detail, saying the suspect shoved her head underwater. She managed to fight her way back to the surface and called for help, but she alleges that the attacker immediately forced her underwater again.

“I Thought This Could Be It”

The victim later recounted the emotional trauma she experienced while struggling to breathe.

She said that during the attack she genuinely believed she might die. The terrifying realization came as she fought desperately to reach the surface while being restrained underwater.

Soden stated that the incident was especially devastating because her nephew witnessed the attack.

According to her account, the child nearly watched his aunt drown before his eyes. She later said the experience was something her family would likely never forget.

Scuba Diver’s Quick Actions May Have Saved Her Life

Authorities say the attack only ended because a bystander intervened.

A scuba diver who witnessed the struggle reportedly entered the situation and pulled Soden away from Burruel. The intervention immediately stopped the alleged assault and allowed the victim to escape.

Soden later said she believed the suspect would not have stopped on her own.

According to the victim, the diver’s actions may have prevented a fatal outcome because she felt she could no longer defend herself against the repeated attempts to keep her underwater.

Police Documented Injuries Following Incident

When deputies investigated the incident, they observed physical injuries that were consistent with the victim’s account.

The arrest affidavit states that Soden had visible marks around her neck and that her swimsuit had been torn during the altercation. These injuries were documented as part of the investigation.

The physical evidence became an important component of the case as investigators worked to determine exactly what occurred at the river recreation area.

Suspect Allegedly Resisted Deputies During Arrest

The situation reportedly continued to escalate even after law enforcement arrived.

According to police records, deputies attempted to speak with Burruel about the allegations, but she allegedly became combative and actively fought with officers. Authorities stated that it ultimately took four deputies to place her in handcuffs.

The alleged resistance added another dramatic chapter to an already serious investigation involving claims of attempted drowning.

Suspect Offers Different Version of Events

During questioning, Burruel reportedly provided her own explanation for what led to the confrontation.

According to police, she claimed that Soden had insulted both her and her sister near the climbing rope area. Burruel suggested that those comments triggered the dispute that eventually became physical.

Investigators, however, continued examining witness accounts, physical evidence, and available video footage related to the incident.

Criminal Charges Filed

Following the investigation, authorities charged Burruel with aggravated assault and impeding breathing in connection with the alleged attack.

The charges reflect the seriousness of allegations that someone intentionally prevented another person from breathing while holding them underwater. Prosecutors will ultimately determine how the case proceeds through the court system.

Video Evidence Captured Part of the Incident

Reports indicate that video footage from the crowded recreation area captured portions of the altercation.

According to authorities and local media coverage, the footage appears to show the suspect pulling the victim underwater by her hair during the confrontation. The video has become a significant piece of evidence in the investigation.

Community Shocked by Alleged Attack

The case has drawn widespread attention because it occurred in a public recreational area filled with families and holiday visitors.

Many people have expressed concern over how quickly a disagreement near a popular swimming attraction allegedly escalated into a life-threatening encounter. The fact that children witnessed the incident has added to public concern and discussion surrounding safety at crowded outdoor recreation sites.

Investigation Continues

As the legal process moves forward, investigators continue reviewing evidence related to the incident at the Salt River’s Mud Cliffs area.

For Robyn Soden, however, the experience remains a traumatic reminder of how a day intended for outdoor recreation nearly ended in tragedy. Her account of believing she might die while trapped underwater has become the defining detail of a case that authorities say could have had a far more devastating outcome had a bystander not intervened in time.