Sheriff’s Office Investigating a Homicide of Elderly Male Whose Body was Found Near Forest Lakes

FOREST LAKES – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of an elderly male whose body was found west of Forest Lakes, AZ.

On Sunday May 20, 2018 around 3:30 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a deceased person found lying along Forest Road 512 (to Young, AZ), less than ½ mile south of State Route 260.

A deputy responded from Forest Lakes and contacted the reporting party, a couple who had been driving in that area. The reporting party said they were travelling the Young Road around 3:30 pm and observed a male lying in the dirt approximately 20 yards off the side of the road in a pull-out area. They stopped to check on the male and could see he was obviously deceased.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office responded out of Flagstaff to conduct the investigation. They found the deceased victim with severe trauma to his body and head. The victim had no identification.

Investigators and crime scene personnel from the Arizona Department of Public Safety also responded to the scene and assisted in the investigation. The victim was transported to Flagstaff where an autopsy will be conducted by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The victim is described as a 60-70-year-old white male, about 110 pounds, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with gray hair that is longer but cut above the shoulders, gray beard and mustache, wearing a white “Head” sports polo style shirt, off white or light British tan colored shorts with a black leather belt, black socks and white New Balance tennis shoes.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help for information about this death or the identity of the victim. Please call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888, option 1 for Dispatch or Silent Witness 928-774-6111.

Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared

FLAGSTAFF — With nationwide attention on the recent rescue of the Klein family and questions generated from the public, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Unit would like to take this opportunity to remind people about being prepared before winter travel. Each year, the Sheriff’s Office responds to countless calls from motorists who have become stranded or stuck on impassable roads because they were following “alternate routes” listed on technology devices and map apps. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather, traffic accidents or a wrong turn could become life threatening. A short drive can turn into an emergency if you are unprepared. Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared!

• Know before you go – Be aware of existing and impending weather conditions, and check weather and road reports frequently. If extreme winter weather is predicted during the duration of your trip, cancel it. Research alternative routes. Be prepared to stay overnight if weather changes or travel is delayed. Contact places you are planning to visit to confirm hours of operation and accessibility. For hikers, remember that in the winter, trails that are typically fairly easy to follow in the spring, summer, and fall are often covered in snow making following the trail difficult to impossible.

• Leave Detailed Trip Plans with a Trusted Person – The plan should include times and dates of departure and return. It should also include when you will arrive at certain checkpoints, even if no contact is established, it will assist searchers in locating you should you need their assistance. If trip plans change, it is important to notify the people with whom the trip plan was left so that this information can be shared with search and rescue teams if necessary.

• Don’t Rely on Phones & Map Apps – There are many places where cellular services or coverage still DO NOT exist. A cell phone does not guarantee your safety. Have the appropriate navigation equipment and knowledge of how to use that equipment. Do your research before following map app directions and realize that just because a route is listed does not mean it is passable.

• Accept Responsibility for Yourself – Emergency responders may not be immediately available and may take several hours before they can respond. If your location is unknown to emergency responders, it can take hours or even days before someone finds you. Resources such as helicopters and other specialty equipment are not guaranteed to be able to respond. Have emergency and survival gear with you. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

• Stay Together – Turn back and come the way you came if possible, or stay put. If you have prepared with appropriate winter weather gear and shared your trip plans, it is safer to stay put than to expose yourself to the elements or unknown terrain. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can affect your ability to survive.

• Be prepared for cold weather and winter driving conditions – Have a full tank of gas, chains, flashlight, blankets and other emergency items. Always fill your gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance. If you leave your vehicle running to provide heat make sure the tail pipe is properly vented and clear of snow or any other debris. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is silent and deadly.

Clothing Tips: Dress warmly in layered clothing. Layers allow you to easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature. Three types of layers are considered normal: a liner layer against your skin (long-johns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and wind-proof outer shell. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet, whether it is from rain or sweat. Cotton also takes a long time to dry out. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited for cold weather conditions. Boots should have a waterproof outer shell such as oiled leather or plastic. Hiking boots alone are usually not adequate in deep snow conditions for extended periods. Protect from heat loss through your` head by wearing a warm stocking cap or other winter hat. Make sure socks and gloves do not fit so tight that they constrict the blood flow which keeps your hands or feet from warming up. Pack plenty of extra clothing in case you the clothes you are wearing become wet. Hiking clothing or footwear that gets wet not only makes movement more difficult, it also can contribute to hypothermia and other cold related injuries or illness.

Food & Water Tips: Keep yourself adequately nourished to provide fuel for hiking and for simply keeping your body warm. Food should be easy to prepare and tasty enough to be appetizing. Drink plenty of water even though you don’t think you are thirsty. Water is necessary for your body to generate heat. A good rule of thumb for checking hydration is the color of your urine. Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated. Keep water bottles from freezing in your pack by putting them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover.

Gear Tips: Even for short day hikes winter outdoor enthusiasts should carry survival equipment. Essential items include fire starting equipment, a light source and extra batteries, appropriate extra clothing, water, food, navigation equipment, pocket knife, shelter materials, sunglasses or goggles, a backcountry shovel, a backpacking stove and fuel and a small metal cup.

• Backcountry users: Be familiar with avalanche hazard recognition and carry the appropriate safety equipment including an avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, backcountry shovel and winter survival gear. Backcountry users should not travel alone and should leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted friend. Cell phones are valuable tools but should not be relied upon in backcountry locations since cell coverage may be marginal. It is incumbent on winter backcountry users to acquire training and knowledge about avalanche safety. More information is available from the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center at www.kachinapeaks.org.

• Tips for Safe Snow Play: Be safe and aware. Don’t park along the highways to play in the snow. Watch out for hazards and other visitors. Be patient. Be a courteous driver. Roads may be congested. Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take your trash with you. Respect private property and other locations where snow play and sledding is not appropriate.

Here are a few links to some additional resources:

Winter Driving Safety Tips

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/getting_traction
http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.WGLPxFMrLcs
https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/winter-driving-safety-tips.aspx

Winter Storm Preparedness & Winter Safety

National Park Service and US Forest Service websites for different areas often have messages specific to recreation safety:

https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
https://www.fs.fed.us/
http://www.nsc.org/learn/Pages/safety-events-winter-safety.aspx
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm

One hiker killed, two injured in Flagstaff

Williams experienced severe lightning starting around noon.

Williams experienced severe lightning starting around noon.

FLAGSTAFF — At approximately 12:50 pm, the Coconino County Sheriff dispatcher received a 911 call concerning three hikers struck by lightning near the summit of Humphreys Peak. One hiker was reported as unresponsive.

Due to severe and continuous lightning on the peaks, emergency responders are staged at Agassiz Lodge and coordinating with the hikers to get them to safety.

At about 8 p.m., one male age 17 was confirmed deceased after being struck by lightning. Two other males ages 17 and 18 were transported to Flagstaff Medical Center with injuries that were likely received due to their proximity to the lightning strike.

The two injured hikers were conscious and walking when emergency responders reached them. The three hikers are from the Tempe, AZ area.