Hiking Influencer Hannah Moody Found Dead Near Arizona Trail After Extensive Search

Hannah Moody, a 31-year-old hiking influencer with around 45,000 Instagram followers, was found dead near the Gateway Trailhead of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona, about 600 yards off the trail, roughly 25 hours after she was reported missing. She had started her hike on May 21 when temperatures reached over 100 degrees, with friends and family suspecting heat exhaustion as a likely cause, though the official cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities conducted an extensive search involving ground teams, drones, and helicopters before finding her body on May 22; there were no signs of foul play or trauma. Moody had moved to Arizona from California and South Carolina to enjoy hiking and frequently shared her treks and safety tips on social media. The Scottsdale Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation in cooperation with the Maricopa County Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death. This incident highlights the dangers of hiking in extreme heat, especially in desert environments, even outside the hottest summer months.