Hiker stumbles upon missing 74-year-old’s body on trail, Arizona cops say
A hiker stumbled upon a 74-year-old man’s body on a trail in Arizona, police said.
The man was discovered dead after 4 p.m. May 28 on the Boulder Loop Trail, the Payson Police Department said in a news release.
Before the discovery, someone reported the man overdue from hiking, police said.
The concerned caller said the man was an “avid hiker who always took appropriate amounts of food and water with him, and his late return was out of character,” police said.
Then another hiker found him and police recovered his body.
A medical examiner will determine his cause of death, police said, but they suspect he died from natural causes with heat being a factor.
It was a high of 86 degrees that day, according to AccuWeather.
Payson is about a 90-mile drive northeast from Phoenix.
How to be prepared while hiking
If you’re planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take:
Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.
Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don’t forget to pack extra batteries.
First-aid supplies: It’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.
Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need.
Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance.
Nutrition: You should pack an extra day’s worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having “salty and easy to digest snacks.”
Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you’re hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is “of utmost importance,” park officials said.
Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.
This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Hiker stumbles upon missing 74-year-old’s body on trail, Arizona cops say."
