Pine-Strawberry Fire Chief Missing After 51-Mile Hike

GILA COUNTY – Pine-Strawberry Fire Chief Gary Morris has gone missing after while hiking in the Mazatzal Wilderness.

According to the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, on October 29, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a call was received regarding the overdue Morris who was taking the Arizona Trail from Sunflower to the Doll Baby Ranch across the Mazatzal Wilderness.

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter was called to assist with the Tonto Rim Search and Rescue unit. An aerial search was unsuccessful.

Morris is described as an experienced hiker, and a member of Tonto Rim Search and Rescue unit.

Chief Gary MorrisPine-Strawberry Fire District