Richie Jacobson: Hiker, 21, slips and falls to death while taking photo on Arizona mountain
Richie Jacobson, 21, died doing what he loved - hiking. While trying to take a picture at the peak of the mountain, he lost balance and died, as reported by the authorities in Arizona.
Jacobson was at the Flatiron Peak in the Superstition Mountains that are at the Lost Dutchman State Park in the east of Phoenix in Arizona. He fell and his body was found around 700 feet from the place where he initially fell. His friend and hiking partner called the police officials a little after midnight on Monday, January 24.
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As reported in the statement by Pinal County Sheriff's Office, "The reporting party stated he and his friend were camping on top of Flatiron when his friend went to the edge to take a photo and slipped." The Arizona Department of Public Safety said that they had sent a rescue helicopter in an effort of recovery but no other details have been released yet.
As per experts, the Flatiron peak can be reached through a popular 5.5-mile hike on the Siphon Draw Trail. However, whether Jacobson took this route or another is yet to be determined. It is also heard that this route can have tons of rock slides that can prove to be fatal.
On the AllTrails website, a reviewer wrote of this peak that, "Live nearby and have seen many a helicopter evacuation, typically about 1/2 way down around the saddle."
Another said, "Challenging climb with lots of scrambling up over boulders and rock ledges. 4 hour round trip is doable in the right weather and physical condition, but 60-year-old desk jockey me usually take 5, 6 in hotter weather. I recommend allowing the whole day to give you time to explore the hoodoos and views to the north or hike partway down the ridgeline trail to the east. Gorgeous views that direction. This also gives you time to recharge for the trip back down, where you need mental alertness to avoid fatigue-related slips and falls. Live nearby and have seen many a helicopter evacuation, typically about 1/2 way down around the saddle. Can be crowded on weekends. Start early Wear comfortable footwear that doesn’t crowd your toes. You’ll be on your toes for a lot of the down hike. Enjoy!"
A reviewer said, "Hardest hike I’ve done in the valley so far, but so worth it when you get to the top. The last mile is definitely the hardest. Prepare to climb rocks. This hike is not for the faint of heart. & honestly if you have dogs, don’t bring them if you plan on going to the top. It’s not fair to them and the last scramble before getting to the top is a vertical climb. Loved it though! Would do it again to train for even harder hikes."
