Hiker Found Dead On South Mountain Trail Identified By Phoenix Police

PHOENIX, AZ — A 61-year-old man died while hiking in South Mountain Park during a weekend heat wave, after a search began when he failed to return from an early morning hike.

Phoenix police identified the hiker as Richard Fletcher. Fletcher left for a hike around 5 a.m. Saturday but had not returned by that evening, leading someone to file a missing person report shortly after 5 p.m.

Officers later found Fletcher's vehicle near the Pima Canyon Trailhead on the east side of South Mountain Park. A cyclist eventually found Fletcher unresponsive on the trail, and Phoenix Fire crews pronounced him dead at the scene.

Authorities said there were no signs of trauma.

Investigators believe Fletcher's death may have been related to extreme heat or a medical emergency. They have not found any evidence of foul play.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.

Heat conditions were severe across the Valley that day. Temperatures in Phoenix reached about 116 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, near the time Fletcher was reported missing.

Rep. Andy Biggs addressed Fletcher's death on social media, saying he was "heartbroken" for Fletcher's loved ones and encouraging people to value time with family.

The investigation remains ongoing as the medical examiner completes its review.