A search for a missing hiker on South Mountain ended in tragedy Tuesday, as rescue crews recovered a body on the popular Phoenix range, city officials said.
Phoenix Fire Department technical-rescue teams worked their way through steep, rocky terrain to reach and remove the individual from the mountainside. Authorities did not immediately release any details about the person’s identity or how they came to be missing.
Capt. Mike Johnson of the Phoenix Fire Department outlined how the recovery unfolded in an interview with Fox 10 Phoenix, which aired footage of crews coordinating the effort along remote trail sections. The station posted the video Tuesday morning as the operation wrapped up.
South Mountain has seen multiple recent rescues and serious falls. Earlier this month, a separate incident on the Mormon Trail involved a hiker who fell a “significant distance,” according to KJZZ. Local coverage has also noted an uptick in mountain rescues on the mountain this spring.
Trail Heat Safety: What Hikers Need to Know
The City of Phoenix’s Trail Heat Safety Program “is designed to help outdoor enthusiasts navigate the Phoenix trail system while minimizing the risks of high heat conditions,” the city says. The program allows officials to restrict access to certain South Mountain routes during Extreme Heat Warnings and urges hikers to start early, carry extra water and check trail-status updates before heading out, according to the City of Phoenix.
Emergency responders ask that anyone who sees a person in distress call 911 so crews can reach them quickly.
