Missing hiker, Hannah Moody, found dead; no signs of foul play
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Scottsdale Police say missing hiker, Hannah Moody, was found dead on the afternoon of Thursday, May 22.
Hannah Moody (Scottsdale PD)
Timeline:
Scottsdale Police say 31-year-old Hannah Moody was last seen on the morning of May 21 in the Gateway Trailhead area of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
"As of this writing, she has not returned to her vehicle or made contact with family or friends," police wrote in an X post on Thursday. "Her disappearance is unexpected and uncharacteristic. Search efforts began last night with officers on foot and the use of drones. Search efforts are continuing this morning with numerous resources from Scottsdale PD."
At 12:05 p.m. on May 22, Scottsdale Police said her body was found in the same area she was last seen.
"Tragically, Hannah's body was located by search crews. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. This is an active investigation. Please respect the family's privacy at this time. We appreciate everyone's efforts in helping to locate Hannah," police said.
Scottsdale PD says more than 20 officers on foot and with drones helped look for Moody. The sheriff's office search and rescue team and air unit also helped out, as well as others who wanted to find her.
She was found 600 yards from the trailhead's parking lot.
What they're saying:
Moody was described as a bright light, a beautiful young woman and an avid hiker.
Friends say she had completed this trail many times and that she was last seen at about 11:30 on Wednesday morning hiking toward Tom’s Thumb.
Moody posted on her Instagram that she was headed out on the hike. In her post, she wrote that she wanted to get in one last hike before summer, adding she had about "five gallons of water" with her.
Friends describe Moody as someone with a big heart who felt most at home hiking the desert trails.
"She loves the outdoors. If you could put her somewhere where she would be happiest, it would be outside in nature," her friend, Lauryn, said.
She often posted about her hiking trails on her growing social media page, where she also talked at length about her faith.
Her friends stressed Moody was an experienced hiker who was always prepared.
"She does hikes literally weekly like this, so she knows what to do," Jessica, another one of her friends, said.
'If you think you drank too much water, you didn't'
"Very sad. Very sad. My condolences to her friends and family," said Amel Nasic, a local hiker.
One couple who hikes the same trail multiple times a week says the news is upsetting.
"Unfortunately, we see it way too many times here in Arizona," Nasic said.
Hikers shared their own tips for people setting out on any trail in the Arizona heat.
"Try to have a partner. Hold each other accountable and then drink lots of water. If you think you drank too much water, you didn't. Drink more," Nasic said.
Hydration is necessary for even a short trip down the trail.
"I have a CamelBak with three liters of, there's water in the back, and then I have Gatorade here," a hiker named Kerry Duffy said.
They also stressed the need for everyone to look out for each other.
"And then again, check in on each other as you are going," Nasic said.
What we don't know:
"Scottsdale detectives and crime scene personnel will now conduct a thorough investigation to piece together what happened to Hannah and how she died. Our investigation will be in cooperation with the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, which will ultimately determine the cause of death. The investigation is in its early stages, but there are no obvious signs of foul play or trauma at this point," Scottsdale Police said.
What you can do:
If you have any information, you're asked to call police at 480-312-5000.