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.

On Monday, the Phoenix Police Department revealed the man’s identity as 31-year-old Gilbert A. Garcia.

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.

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

Authorities said that is was not clear how Garcia fell off the trail, but foul play is not suspected.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on June 5, 2026.

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