A 31-year-old hiker died about a quarter-mile off trail in Scottsdale, Arizona, and many people are asking why. The officials aren’t speculating; they say there’s no evidence of foul play. But some folks online are scratching their heads, wondering why a woman in her early 30s who hikes regularly would suddenly die.
Hannah Moody went missing on Wednesday while hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and the Scottsdale Police Department say they found Moody’s body about 600 yards off the trail on Thursday afternoon. Moody was an influencer (Hannah Rose) with over 44,000 followers. She hiked regularly and had posted a video earlier this week of her on a trail, talking about how she’s thankful for sunset hikes.
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There is an open investigation into Moody’s tragic death, but the police department says there are “no obvious signs of foul play or trauma.” It’s worth noting that on Wednesday, the temperature exceeded 100°F in Scottsdale, and many hikers die in the Arizona heat each year.
Some people online seem flabbergasted that someone who is familiar with hiking in the heat would succumb to it, and some suspect foul play despite an immediate lack of evidence. Others note that the heat does not discriminate based on age, fitness, or experience level.
See the Scottsdale Police Department’s press release about the hiker who died near an Arizona trail:
Tragically, Hannah’s body was located by search crews. Our hearts go out to her family and friends.
This is an active investigation. Please respect the family’s privacy at this time.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts in helping to locate Hannah. pic.twitter.com/VaUQzbCpPe— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) May 22, 2025
Header stock image of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve by Eric Mischke/Getty Images