Social Media Influencer Found Dead Near Scottsdale Hiking Trail

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

A peaceful hiking trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where nature lovers find tranquility.

News Summary

Hannah Moody, a 31-year-old social media influencer known for her hiking and nature content, was found dead at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale. She went missing on May 21, 2025, prompting search operations that concluded with the discovery of her body the next day. Concerns over extreme weather conditions and her wellbeing have arisen, as investigators continue to determine the cause of her death, which is currently pending. The community remembers her vibrant spirit with plans for a memorial hike in her honor.

Arizona – Hannah Moody, a 31-year-old social media influencer famous for her hiking adventures and spiritual reflections, was found dead near the Gateway Trailhead of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale on May 22, 2025. Authorities discovered her body around 12:05 p.m., approximately 600 yards off the designated hiking trail, after she had been reported missing just over 16 hours earlier.

Friends voiced concerns about Moody’s well-being around 7:50 p.m. on May 21, 2025, when they lost all contact with her. Officers investigating her case located her vehicle parked in the Gateway Trailhead parking lot, but initial attempts to contact her via her cellphone were unsuccessful.

Search operations began shortly after the report was filed, employing various resources, including drones and a Phoenix Police Department helicopter. These efforts were temporarily suspended around 11:30 p.m. on May 21 due to limited visibility but resumed the following morning. More than 20 officers, along with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s search and rescue team, re-entered the area and ultimately discovered Moody’s body on May 22.

As of now, investigators have determined there are no immediate signs of foul play or trauma related to her death. The cause of death is pending investigation by the Maricopa County medical examiner.

Before her disappearance, Moody had been active on social media, sharing her experiences and expressing gratitude for a day job that allowed her to enjoy sunset hikes. She boasted a following of approximately 45,000 on Instagram, where her posts often highlighted her love for the outdoors and uplifting messages. Friends and family characterized her as an experienced hiker who was a free spirit with a deep appreciation for nature.

On the day she went missing, conditions in the area were severe, with temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, raising concerns about potential heat-related issues surrounding her passing. Moody had scheduled a lunch meeting with a friend following her hike but failed to show up, prompting alarm among her friends and family.

In light of her tragic death, her family has speculated that heat may have contributed to the circumstances leading to her demise. The community has rallied together in remembrance, with plans established for a memorial hike in her honor, coinciding with what would have been her 32nd birthday.

The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover further details surrounding the events leading to Moody’s death. Authorities continue their efforts to collect more information that could shed light on this heartbreaking incident, as the local community mourns the loss of a beloved figure known for her vibrant spirit and passion for nature.