This 74-Year-Old Hiker’s Body Was Recovered After Going Missing For Six Days And His Dog, Ranger, Never Left His Side
Last month, a seventy-four-year-old hiker from Prescott Valley, Arizona, embarked on a trip up Mingus Mountain with his dog.
Sadly, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has since reported that the man– named Donald Hayes– was found deceased on the mountain.
In a press release shared on Facebook, the Sheriff’s Office detailed the events leading up to Donald’s tragic passing.
Donald was last seen at a Mingus Mountain trailhead on May 13. Later that afternoon, he contacted his wife and shared that he had become lost with his dog, Ranger.
Unfortunately, Donald could not pinpoint where exactly he went off course.
The authorities were contacted and got in touch with Donald around 2 p.m. He was instructed to wait for a search and rescue team. However, Donald allegedly said he “did not want to wait” and decided to continue down a ravine.
He also reassured authorities that he still had food and water. But, Donald wanted to save his phone battery and decided to turn off his device.
After that last phone call, neither Donald’s wife nor authorities were able to reach him again. His whereabouts also could not be ascertained using GPS tracking.
Facebook; pictured above search and rescue teams look for Donald
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Over the following days, a full-fledged search and rescue effort was launched. Search dogs were dispatched, as well as a helicopter and thermal drone.
Unfortunately, these weekend-long efforts did not lead to Donald’s recovery. So, the Sheriff’s Office was forced to enlist neighboring counties for their help.
Finally, six long days after being reported missing, Donald’s body was recovered.
“Mr. Hayes was found in a rugged area that had been difficult for searchers to reach,” the Sheriff’s Office shared in the press release.
Miraculously, Donald’s dog was found alive and never left his side. The pup has since been taken to a local animal hospital for treatment.
“Our searchers utilized every tool at their disposal to find Mr. Hayes and never gave up,” said Sheriff David Rhodes, “Our condolences go out to Mr. Hayes’ family, and we wish the outcome could have been different.”
The Sheriff’s Office’s press release has since garnered widespread attention on Facebook as community members grieve Donald’s passing and thank first responders for their efforts.
“Our hearts break for his wife, family, and friends. Thank you to those who searched for Mr. Hayes and the veterinarian. We prayed the outcome would be different. Rest in peace,” wrote one user.
“So very sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his faithful dog, Ranger, who stayed by his side,” commented a second.
To read the entire report, visit the link here.
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