Staff Reports
SAN MANUEL — On Aug. 29, at approximately 3:58 p.m., Graham County Dispatch received a call from the Galiuro Mountains, about 10 miles southeast of San Manuel, regarding a hiker suffering from severe heat exhaustion. The incident was reported by the hiker’s friend, who called 911 to alert authorities of the emergency.
According to dispatch records, the caller reported that his friend was experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, including vomiting, chills, fever, and an inability to walk. The pair, who had been bear hunting in the rugged terrain, had been without food all day and without water for approximately four hours. The caller hiked to the top of a hill to obtain cell phone service, with his phone pinging at coordinates 32.57222, -110.40418, to make the emergency call.
Law enforcement coordinated with dispatch to involve Pinal County and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Ranger unit for a faster response. Pinal County dispatched a unit from the San Tan area, and DPS Rangers were deployed, picking up Pinal County Search and Rescue (SAR) Team 7 en route to the hikers’ location.
By 6:01 p.m., Pinal County confirmed that both hikers had been located. The DPS Rangers and Pinal County SAR successfully reached them, providing necessary assistance. The injured hiker was safely evacuated, and no further action was required from Graham County authorities.
The rescue highlights the dangers of heat exhaustion in Arizona’s remote wilderness areas, particularly during the late summer months. Authorities remind hikers to carry adequate water, food, and communication devices when venturing into rugged terrain, such as the Galiuro Mountains.
