On Monday, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the falling death of a woman in Sedona.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), on April 15th, deputies responded to a report that a woman, Zaynab Joseph, had fallen down a 140-foot cliff on Bear Mountain while hiking with her husband and 1 year old child. A group of hikers stopped after hearing yelling and discovered that the 40-year-old Joseph was seriously injured. While members of the group called 911, one hiked down the embankment and found that Joseph was still breathing, but unfortunately, she passed away shortly after.
Sedona Fire was first on scene and confirmed Ms. Joseph had died. YCSO responded with Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, and a DPS Ranger helicopter was also called to assist. The husband and child were flown off the mountain, and the victim was recovered with the assistance of the DPS Ranger and the SAR volunteers. The family who is from California, were renting an AirBnB in Sedona.
YCSO conducted multiple interviews of hikers coming off the mountain, and the cause of the incident is still under investigation. YCSO asks that anyone with information or who witnessed the tragedy, to contact YCSO at 928-771-3260.
In a case like this, the husband is always the number one suspect. Be sure that the police are closely investigating him until they find a good reason not to.