A search for a missing man in Yavapai County turned into a recovery effort this week.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), in the early morning hours on November 23rd, it received report of an abandoned vehicle that had been off South Wagoner Road off Highway 89 near Wilhoit, for 7 days. It was learned that the vehicle belonged to Jeffery McCombs who was reported missing out of Phoenix on November 15, 2023.
Deputies found the vehicle unlocked with the keys, wallet and cell phone in the center console.
YCSO deputies began searching the area around the vehicle and the immediate washes, the terrain of which was dense with difficult to navigate vegetation but could find nothing that was helpful in locating Jeffery. It appeared at the time he must have walked off much farther than originally thought and recent weather had covered any track that may have been left.
YCSO called out the drone operator who flew two different drones with no immediate results. He was able to use a software program that allowed him to search for the colors of the last clothing Jeffery was wearing to possibly narrow down a search area. The search continued for the next day and half, and on Tuesday the 25th, further drone missions identified an area of interest that may have shown the location of the victim.
A YCSO Forest Patrol deputy hiked to the location and found the man deceased. Evidence at the scene indicates he took his own life. He was located between two large rock features, and due to the rough terrain, the YCSO Back County Search and Rescue Team was called out to assist with the recovery of Mr. McCombs.
“Through the use of technology, experience and sheer determination, we were able to find Jeffery,” said Sheriff David Rhodes. “Although the final outcome was not what we all hoped for, I am grateful for our YCSO Patrol, Forest Patrol and Search and Rescue team members who worked tirelessly to bring him back and bring resolution to his grieving family.”