Body of camper missing for nearly a month found near Prescott

PHOENIX – The body of a camper missing for almost a month was found southeast of Prescott over the weekend, authorities said Monday.

Patrick Higgins, 49, had last been seen July 13 when he’d been four-wheeling with friends near the community of Walker, according to a press release from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

He reportedly hiked out of the area alone after the vehicle got stuck, according to the release.

YCSO received a call around 2 p.m. Saturday about a body being found in a ravine in the Bannie Mine area.

Rescuers made their way through rugged terrain but, with light fading by the time they could get there, determined it was unsafe to attempt a recovery until morning.

Three Back County Search and Rescue Team volunteers stayed overnight with the body, which was retrieved at 9:45 a.m. Sunday.

“Our search and rescue teams have unfortunately been very busy this summer, and most people don’t realize that the members are all volunteers,” Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes said in the release.

“Yet even with all the time they have put in over the last few weeks, these compassionate people offered to stay with Mr. Higgins all night.”

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