Missing hiker found dead at Telegraph Pass

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) said a 58-year-old woman died after hiking in the area of Telegraph Pass.

Deputies said they received a report of a missing hiker in Telegraph Pass on Wednesday afternoon.

The reporting party said the missing hiker, identified as 58-year-old Laura Kissinger, told them she would be going on a hike in the area of Telegraph Pass at about 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

However, the reporting party did not hear from Kissinger for a few hours and told law enforcement.

YCSO said deputies found Kissinger's vehicle parked near the hiking area and started a search.

YCSO’s Search and Rescue, Border Patrol BORSTAR, and CBP Air & Marine aerial support responded to the search.

Kissinger was then found at the bottom of a ridge about 1/4 mile from a main trail.

“Unfortunately Mrs. Kissinger was found with trauma associated with a fall at the bottom of a ridge about a quarter of a mile form the main trail,” said Sergeant Edgar Guirra.

The next of kin has been notified.

To get her body out, a helicopter ranger from Tucson was called in for assistance. 

“The Arizona Department of Public Safety they have helicopter’s that have the special tools that assist us with extractions or rescuing victims from areas that are difficult to acces either by vehicle or on foot,” said Srgt. Guirra.

The sheriff’s office shares a reminder for hikers looking to conquer and enjoy the Telegraph Pass location.

“One let somebody know where you’re going and if you’re able to take a friend with you and also of course have your phone with you in case you need to make an emergency phone call stay on the main trails become familiarized with the main trails and make sure as the weather starts to get warmer to take plenty of water with you,” said Srgt. Guirra.

Eduardo Morales hosted a livestream with details.