Missing elderly hiker Donald Hayes found dead in Arizona with his dog alive at his side

An aged hiker who was lacking for six days was discovered useless in a rugged forest in Arizona along with his loyal canine nonetheless alive at his aspect, officers stated.

The physique of 74-year-old Donald Hayes was situated by authorities on Wednesday close to Mingus Mountain in north-central Arizona — about 85 miles north of Phoenix, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Workplace stated in an announcement.

When responders arrived on scene, they discovered Hayes’ canine, Ranger, “very dehydrated and malnourished,” mendacity subsequent to his physique, officers stated.

Responders took the pup to an animal hospital earlier than he was returned to Hayes’ spouse, a sheriff’s workplace spokesperson stated.

Hayes’ reason behind dying was not instantly clear.

The lacking man had referred to as his spouse earlier within the week and advised her that he had gotten misplaced after venturing on a hike with Ranger. She referred to as authorities, prompting a six-day ground-and-air seek for Hayes that included responders from 4 counties and a state police helicopter.

Authorities advised him to stay the place he was, however he seems to have uncared for the directions.

Donald Hayes
Hayes was advised by police and rescuers to remain put however had reportedly not adhered to the recommendation.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Workplace/
Search and rescue team
Groups of individuals from 4 counties participated within the seek for Hayes.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Workplace

“Sadly, the sufferer determined in opposition to the recommendation and tried to search out his approach out, inflicting him to develop into misplaced additional within the forest,” the sheriff’s division stated.

The person and his canine had been discovered roughly six miles in a straight line from the trailhead, however greater than twice the gap as a result of robust terrain, officers stated.

“I thank all of the volunteer search and rescue groups and others who gave of their time for six days to find the sufferer and produce him house,” Sheriff David Rhodes stated. “Our searchers utilized each device at their disposal to search out Mr. Hayes and by no means gave up.”

Forest
Hayes’ physique was discovered close to Mingus Mountain in north-central Arizona.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Workplace/
Donald Hayes dog ranger after being rescued
A GoFundMe was arrange for Ranger’s vet payments after being rescued.
GoFundMe

A GoFundMe marketing campaign for Ranger’s veterinarian payments has raised over $4,300 as of Friday night.

“Ranger is bettering,” the webpage says. “He ate dinner. The hope is to launch him tomorrow to his household 

With Publish wires

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