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If you go out, please track your hike on a GPS and post it for the benefit of future searches. Simply post it upon return. (if you need help ask the webmaster) Hike Arizona will see that it gets linked to a master map. If you have multiple variations in your group, please post all tracks. As more info is posted the map will evolve and the overlaps will be removed.
November 16, 2010
Tonto Rim Search and Rescue volunteers and Gila County Sheriff officers are currently searching for an overdue hiker.
The man, whose name has not been released, was last heard from nine days ago and is believed to be hiking near the Mt. Peeley trail or Sheep Mountain, off Forest Road 201, southwest of Payson.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office first received a call that the man was overdue Monday, Nov. 15 about 9 p.m.
“The hiker has not been heard from since Nov. 7 and frequents the Mazatzal Mountain Wilderness area,” according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
The missing hiker’s vehicle was located at the Mt. Peeley trailhead.
Six TRSAR volunteers are currently searching the ground. Earlier Tuesday, a Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter did an aerial search of the area, but found no signs of the man
Dawn
--On the loose to climb a mountain, on the loose where I am free. On the loose to live my life the way I think my life should be...For we only have a moment and a whole world yet to see...I'll be looking for tomorrow on the loose. ---unknown--
Hi all, I have been out of state the last few years but I check this tread from time to time for gpsjoe updates. I've been surprised to see no new news for several years. Is there still no closure to this tragedy?
I see that no one directly involved in the original search has got back to you but no he was never found and I do not know if anyone on this site or others are still looking for him. Originally there was a reward posted by his relatives but I do not know if that is still offered. Perhaps someone more familiar with current searches for Joe will reply.
A man's body may grow old, but inside his spirit can still be as young and restless as ever.
- Garth McCann from the movie Second Hand Lions
Just fyi.. On the same date as Roadtorque posted, I acknowledged back to him via our more appropriate HAZ Personal Mail to reconfirm this topic as "no official closure" to date.
Also, regarding the below comment "Originally there was a reward posted by his relatives but I do not know if that is still offered." There was never a reward posted by GPSjoe's relatives.
Yes I wasn’t going to give the coords or images to anyone. I’m just trying to gain some more info as I’m not from the area (the country even) and I was trying to be as succinct as possible while ringing authorities.
S44d5 wrote: ↑Apr 11 2023 9:26 am
All of the numbers are now unavailable on the missing poster. I’ve left a message with the sheriff’s office, but not getting through to anyone.
Does anyone know if there’s an email for the sherrif’s office? Can’t see one so far, just PR emails.
I don’t want to post it all over their Instagram or Facebook, as it’s somewhat a sensitive subject.
Thanks
Hello S44d5-
I will now rereview my 12+ year old notes folder on this and HAZ Personal Mail you a hopeful more useful, active Maricopia Shariff Office/Search and Rescue phone number.
Also, I have now contacted the Joseph Domin (GPSjoe) family and they are now aware of your posts. I have also learned that GPSjoe owned both REI and Columbia "Tan" colored hiking pants.
Having been one of the folks who spent a number of hikes searching for Joe, I would welcome any solid information that would lend answers.
That said, due to the Sunflower Fire burning that whole area in 2012 (more than a year after Joe went missing) I find it unlikely those pants were there pre-fire.
I’ve contacted a member of the search and rescue team that was searching for him.
I’m going to leave it there and let the rescue team decide where to take it, as I wouldn’t want the family to have any false hope.
I won’t share any of the info given to me about what the SAR person said, that way they can decide if contacting the family is a good idea, or whatever else.
If this thread could be deleted, it would probably be best, that way SAR or the sheriff’s office can be the leaders in reporting any findings, or non-findings. Although I can’t figure out how to do that right now!