The Gila County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of John Connett, age 60, in the Tonto Basin, on December 25. Mr. Connett had been missing since Dec. 22.
According to Gila County Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd:
On December 22 at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Gila County Sheriff’s Office was contacted in regards to 60-year-old John Connett who was overdue from scouting in the area of the green backs north east of Tonto Basin.
Mr. Connett was found deceased on December 24th at approximately 4:30 p.m. Due to the location and approaching nightfall, Mr. Connett would be removed the following morning. A Coconino County search and rescue member was flown in and spent the night with Mr. Connett until he could be safely removed the following day.
This is an active investigation.