Missing Hiker's Body Finally Found After Six Days; Loyal Dog Nearly Died Staying with Owner's Body

Prescott, 🌵Arizona, is a place of natural beauty and rugged terrain. Many people choose to retire there, especially those who appreciate the outdoors, and people regularly take day trips from Phoenix to enjoy the cooler temperatures during the summer.

But that rugged natural beauty can turn dangerous in an instant, and the expansive Prescott National Forest — an impressive 1.25 million acres — recently claimed another victim.

Donald Hayes, 74, from Prescott, set out hiking Mingus Mountain with his black-and-white mixed-breed 🐕Dog, Ranger, on Friday.

At some point during their hike, he realized he was lost, but was able to make a call and ask for help.

📺 Embedded media — coming soon

“Donald Hayes contacted YCSO Forest Patrol last Friday afternoon stating he had become lost on his hike on Mingus Mountain,” the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook Wednesday.

“Forest Patrol informed him that 🚒Rescue would be on its way and to remain at his location. Unfortunately, the victim decided against the advice and tried to find his way out, causing him to become lost further in the forest.”