24-05-2025
Mystery as famous hiker Hannah Moody, 31, is found dead just 600 yards off popular trail in Arizona
An influencer who disappeared while hiking through the Arizona desert has been found dead after a huge search.
Hannah Moody, 31, vanished while exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the Scottsdale Police Department announced her body was found near a trailhead parking lot on Thursday.
Officials said that her remains were found 600-yards off-trial, while their investigation is still in its early stages they said there were no obvious signs of foul play or trauma.
Her body was spotted shortly after midday near the trail, after being reported missing at 7pm the night before when friends said they hadn't heard from her.
Responding officers found her vehicle in the lot and had tried to reach her via her cellphone before they started searching the area on foot and with drones.
The search was called off just before midnight on Wednesday, with over 20 officers and drones picking up the search the next day when her body was found.
Moody was a keen hiker, routinely posting videos and images of herself exploring the desert regions of Arizona to her Instagram that has nearly 50,000 followers.
In a post to his Facebook, her brother Joel paid tribute to his sister who he described as being 'a nomad' and 'a free spirit'.
He said: 'There are times when words can't do justice to the depth of emotion experienced. I received word earlier today that my little sister Hannah Rose died.
'Thank you for bearing with my processing. Thank you also for keeping all of us in your prayers.
'Hannah was a fierce competitor. She was driven, putting her heart and mind to a goal and pursuing it relentlessly. Hannah was also a nomad, a free spirit, searching for a place to belong and to call home after leaving our parents' house.
'I hope that, in death, she has found the home she sought in life. I just wish I could see her once more. I love you and miss you, Hannah.'
Her father had spoken with 12news
Her last post to her Instagram page earlier this week has since been inundated with tributes from her followers.
One person said: 'Enjoy todays sunset from heaven sweet girl. I bet there's nothing like it.'
Another added: 'Rest in peace sweet soul. I was lucky enough to know you for the last two months, I'm so sorry it wasn't longer. Fly high angel.'
Scottsdale Police Department said: 'Scottsdale detectives and crime scene personnel will now conduct a thorough investigation to piece together what happened to Hannah and how she died.
