On the afternoon of May 28, 2025, the Payson Police Department received a report of an overdue person who was hiking on the Boulder Loop Trail. The man, a 74-year-old male from Payson, was reported to be an avid hiker who always took appropriate amounts of food and water with him, and his late return was out of character.

At approximately 4:07 pm, the department received a second call from a hiker on the Boulder Loop Trail reporting that he had found someone deceased. Officers responded and were led to the scene where the decedent was located by the hiker who found him. Investigators identified the decedent as the overdue party.

The preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play, and the death is believed to be from natural causes. Heat related illness is being investigated as a factor. The decedent was transported from the scene to the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office who will make the final determination on the manner and cause of death.

The Payson Police Department would like to thank Tonto Rim Search and Rescue for assistance with this incident.

The department would also like to remind hikers of basic safety guidelines. Temperatures in rim country can be very hot or very cold, presenting challenges even for experienced hikers. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the environment you are going into, bring plenty of food, water, and electrolytes, as well as a fully-charged cell phone. If you begin to feel ill, call for help, or ask another hiker to assist you.