16-year-old Boy Scout dies while hiking in central Arizona
May 2, 2019, 1:10 PM | Updated: May 3, 2019, 8:10 am
(Facebook/Picacho Peak State Park)
(Facebook/Picacho Peak State Park)
PHOENIX — A teenager died over the weekend while hiking with a Boy Scouts group in central Arizona, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said.
Spokeswoman Navideh Forghani said the 16-year-old was pronounced dead when first responders found him on Picacho Peak on Saturday afternoon.
The boy, who was with a group, brought water on the hike but ran out at the top of the mountain.
The group, which included an adult, called for help after the boy began having issues.
ABC15 reported that the boy was unconscious when first responders reached him.
Forghani said authorities will not identify the boy.
Andy Price, CEO of the Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts of America, told KTAR News 92.3 FM that the group is providing access to grief counselors for its youth members and adult leaders.
“This is a very difficult time for our scouting family. We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our youth members,” Price said.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, and we will support them in any way that we can. Please join us in keeping his family and friends everywhere in your thoughts and prayers.”
Picacho Peak is about 40 miles north of Tucson.
