Hiker’s pursuit of free hot pizza leaves him cold atop Arizona mountain

PHOENIX — A man trying to win free pizza climbed a snowy northern Arizona mountain then had to be helped down after he lost too much body heat and became fatigued.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said the 30-year from Flagstaff had planned to hike to the top of Mount Elden earlier this week for free food. He was wearing shorts and other light clothing. The mountain trail was covered in 3-5 inches of snow.

The unidentified hiker had told friends he was going to make the trek in Coconino National Forest on Tuesday. A pizza shop promotion had promised a chance for free eats to anyone who made it up the mountain.

Snow started falling in the area early in the day. A late spring storm has brought down temperatures up north.

Snowfall in the Flagstaff-Bellemont area has reached over a half inch. Roads may be slick in spots, please drive with caution. pic.twitter.com/hhReMWD0c1

— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) May 9, 2017

Running out of steam, he got close as he could to the lookout tower. The Sheriffs’ Office was notified and in turn called the U.S. Forest Service. A staffer in the tower found the hiker, brought him inside and warmed him up.

A friend finished off the rescue effort by giving the man a ride home.

There was pizza for some, though.

#girodelden day 4. Blizzard conditions on Elden and a very committed crew to top out this morning. In truth, if any of us knew just how bad it was up there we’d have stayed in bed. A few cases of mild hypothermia but it’s nothing some Calabrian chilies can’t fix. Congrats to you mountain climbers. Tonight’s pizza will be that much better. #pizzicletta #girodelden #harnessyourpotential

A post shared by Caleb Schiff (@pizzicletta) on May 9, 2017 at 10:42am PDT

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