Overview
- A man fell about 40 feet on South Mountain’s Mormon Trail while hiking and was reached by technical rescue teams who hoisted him to safety and arranged an airlift to a hospital where he later died.
- Phoenix fire and law enforcement officials have opened an investigation but have not determined what caused the fall and say they do not suspect foul play.
- Officials say it is not yet known whether heat or a medical event contributed to the accident as temperatures in the Phoenix area rise.
- Family and friends have launched a GoFundMe to help with memorial costs and local reports show inconsistent surnames for the victim across outlets.
- Phoenix Fire officials urged hikers to call 911 immediately after an injury so responders can be dispatched quickly and noted that South Mountain trails can be steep, loose and require technical rescues in rough terrain.