A Globe memorial ceremony for three flash-flood victims has brought residents together one year after deadly flooding tore through the Arizona city and surrounding parts of Gila County.
The gathering on Saturday, September 26, marked the anniversary of the disaster, which struck Globe and nearby Miami on September 26, 2025. The floods killed Heather Poarch-Johnson, David Acevedo and Teresa “Terri” Robles Saenz.
Residents gathered for tributes, moments of silence and a memorial walk through areas hit hardest by the floodwaters. Bagpipes played as members of the community reflected on the night the water swept through downtown and destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure.
Globe mayor Al Gameros said three moments of silence would be held at the estimated times when each victim died.
“Hopefully this will create some healing, some hope. That’s what we’re after,” Mr Gameros said.
For the families of those who died, the anniversary brought grief back to the surface. Henry Avalos, Ms Poarch-Johnson’s boyfriend, said the memorial had been deeply meaningful but emotionally difficult.
“She was a very nice person,” he said. “I loved her as much as I can, and I wanted to hug her, but now she’s gone.”
Patricia Johnson, Ms Poarch-Johnson’s sister, said her family continued to feel her presence through the memories she had left behind. She described her as generous and someone who would take charge of organising family celebrations, from bringing people together to arranging the food.
“She’s everywhere. We just try to keep her around as much as we can,” Ms Johnson said.
The ceremony also highlighted stories of survival and heroism from the night of the floods. Residents recalled how quickly the water rose, with one saying it reached ankle height almost immediately after they stepped outside and moved with enough force to threaten to pull them off their feet.
Another resident said the sound of rushing water could still be heard near a local restaurant, reviving memories of floodwaters surging towards its doors.
The September 2025 disaster caused more than $100 million in damage across Gila County, according to local officials, with Globe alone estimating losses of about $96 million. Three people died and parts of the historic downtown area were left under water.
Recovery work is continuing, including projects to deepen and widen waterways near Beer Tree Crossing. The work is intended to slow future floodwaters and reduce the risk to Globe, while the city continues to deal with the financial burden of rebuilding.
Ms Johnson said she was grateful that the city had organised the anniversary event and that residents had come together to remember all three victims.
“I’m excited that everybody kind of came together and is talking, and the city put this on, and they did a really good job,” she said.
Mr Avalos said Ms Poarch-Johnson had been “the best person in the world” to him, adding that while her loss remained painful, he was glad Globe had honoured her and the other victims.
