Weekend wrap: Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from June 5-7

From someone threatening to jump from an overpass to a South Mountain hiker falling and dying, here are some of the top Arizona news stories from June 5-7.

Situation with potential jumper over East Valley freeway resolved safely

An East Valley freeway was closed for over two hours Thursday night while somebody threatened to jump from an overpass, but the situation was safely resolved, authorities said.

The eastbound Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway was closed at Priest Drive in Tempe before 9:30 p.m., and the closure was extended to the westbound side about 30 minutes later, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Priest Drive was also closed between Loop 202 and Rio Salado Parkway, according to the Tempe Police Department.

The situation was resolved around 12:20 a.m. Friday. The person threatened to jump is safe, police said without providing additional details.

Hiker dies from critical injuries sustained in ‘significant’ fall on South Mountain in Phoenix

A hiker died after a fall at South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix on Friday afternoon, authorities said.

Crews responded around 1 p.m. after the man fell a “significant distance” while hiking on the Mormon Trail, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.

He sustained multiple injuries and a Phoenix Police Department helicopter had to be used to get him off the mountain.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital in extremely critical condition. He later died from the injuries, authorities said.

15-year-old boy arrested in connection with fatal shooting at Desert Sky Mall

A 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with Tuesday night’s fatal shooting at Desert Sky Mall in west Phoenix, authorities announced Friday.

The suspect was involved in a verbal altercation with a group of people before allegedly pulling out a gun and firing, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

The teenager’s name was not released because he is a minor. Police identified him as the shooting suspect by reviewing surveillance footage and other investigative methods before arresting him at his home without incident.

He is being referred to the Maricopa County Juvenile Correctional Center for one count of second-degree murder and four counts of aggravated assault.

Berkshire Hathaway to acquire Scottsdale homebuilder in $8.5B deal

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. is set to be acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., in a move that will bring the Scottsdale-based homebuilder under the umbrella of one of America’s most valuable companies.

The companies jointly announced May 31 that they have reached a definitive agreement on a deal with a total enterprise value of $8.5 billion, including $6.8 billion in equity.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Taylor Morrison stockholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

As expected, Taylor Morrison’s shares spiked on the news of the deal and gained $13.05, or 22.3%, to close at $71.55 on June 1.

This story is posted in partnership with Phoenix Business Journal. Click to read the full story.

Phoenix high school graduate earns $2 million in college scholarships

Abigail Irigoyen Castillo looked forward to getting acceptance letters when she started applying for college, but she wasn’t expecting to receive $2 million in scholarships as well.

Castillo graduated on May 20 from Phoenix Union’s Trevor G. Browne High School and is now heading to Colgate University to study political science.

She told KTAR News 92.3 FM that she attended the most rigorous classes she could find.

“Your academics is a big part of it, but also, they’re looking for well-rounded students. So, I did various clubs and different programs in various different things. Like I did some about community service, while others targeted dancing, and I gained leadership roles,” Castillo explained.

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