Phoenix Police detectives are investigating remains found by a hiker in a remote part of South Mountain Preserve.
On August 3, 2025, at 10:05 p.m., officers responded to the area of 35th Avenue and Ansell Road regarding a community member who stated they had been hiking and located remains believed to be human.
On August 4, 2025, at 7:30 a.m., Homicide detectives responded and were flown onto the mountain by the Phoenix Air Support Unit and located the remains. Due to the location on the mountain and weather conditions, it was determined to return on the morning of August 6th, 2025, with the assistance of Specialty Vehicle Details, Park Rangers, Drones, Air Support Unit, Phoenix Fire, and the Office of Medical Examiner to process the scene and recover the remains.
The Office of Medical Examiner took possession of the remains and transported them to the Forensic Science Center for further examination and identification.
There were no apparent signs of foul play observed.