Hiker, 21, dies taking a photo on Arizona mountain
Richard Jacobson’s body was recovered about 700ft below where he fell
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 21-year-old hiker who tried to take a photo on an Arizona mountaintop fell to his death earlier this week, authorities have said.
Richard Jacobson was camping with a friend on top of the Flatiron Trail summit at the Los Dutchman State Park. He slipped and fell approximately 700ft and died on Monday, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said.
The police received an emergency call around 12.45am on Monday from his friend, who has not been identified.
Jacobson went “to the edge to take a photo” and lost his footing when he slipped, the sheriff said.
His body was retrieved from the Flatiron peak in the Superstition Mountains in the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the help of a helicopter from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
“He slipped and fell,” Sergeant Doug Peoble told Fox10. “I can tell you that during our investigation, there [were] no signs of foul play. No signs of drug use whatsoever. It was just a very tragic accident.”
He added that Jacobson’s friend was “very distraught” to be left there to hike back and, so, was also airlifted from the site. “He was torn up pretty bad emotionally. We were able to get a helicopter to him,” said Sgt Peoble.
According to the hiking website AllTrails, the 5.5-mile-long Siphon Draw Trail is one of the popular ways to reach Flatiron peak. The hike takes an average of 4 hours to complete.
Reviewers on the website called it a tough and challenging hike, while warning of avoiding “fatigue related slips and falls”.
“[I] live nearby and have seen many a helicopter evacuation, typically about 1/2 way down around the saddle,” Bill Howard, a reviewer said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments