A man who was reported missing during a hike at South Mountain in Phoenix has been identified after search crews found him dead on Saturday evening. Authorities say there were no immediate signs of trauma or foul play, and the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Incident
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded to a missing person call near the National Trail at South Mountain around 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Police said Richard Fletcher had left home at approximately 5 a.m. for a hike. His family became concerned after they lost contact with him around 2 p.m. when his cellphone battery died. After he failed to return home, they reported him missing.
Search
Authorities located Fletcher’s vehicle parked near a South Mountain trailhead, but he was nowhere to be found. Search efforts were launched to locate the missing hiker.
After an extensive search, responders found Fletcher’s body on the trail. Phoenix Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and determined that he was beyond resuscitative measures before pronouncing him dead.
Investigation
Investigators reported that there were no obvious signs of trauma or evidence of foul play at the scene. Officials have not yet released Fletcher’s official cause of death.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner is expected to determine the cause and manner of death following further examination. Police have not provided additional details while the investigation remains active.
Safety
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparing for hikes, especially during Arizona’s extreme temperatures. Hikers are encouraged to carry enough water, keep communication devices charged, inform family members of their planned route, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Richard Fletcher |
| Location | National Trail, South Mountain, Phoenix |
| Reported Missing | Around 5 p.m. Saturday |
| Last Contact | Around 2 p.m. after phone battery died |
| Vehicle Found | Near South Mountain trailhead |
| Signs of Foul Play | None reported |
| Cause of Death | Not yet released |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
The death of Richard Fletcher remains under investigation as officials await the results of the medical examiner’s report. While authorities have not indicated any criminal activity, the incident highlights the importance of hiking safely and staying prepared before heading onto desert trails.
FAQs
Who was the hiker found at South Mountain?
The hiker was identified as Richard Fletcher.
Where was Richard Fletcher found?
He was found near the National Trail at South Mountain.
Was foul play suspected?
Police said there were no obvious signs of foul play.
Has the cause of death been released?
No, the cause of death has not been released.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, Phoenix Police said the investigation continues.
