Authorities searching for Pine-Strawberry Fire Chief who went hiking in Mazatzal Wilderness

Crews are searching for 73-year-old Gary Morris.

PAYSON, Ariz. - The Gila County Sheriff's Office has launched a search and rescue operation for the Pine-Strawberry Fire Chief who went hiking in the Mazatzal Wilderness.

GCSO received a call about Gary Morris, 73, Tuesday morning. Morris was reported overdue from his hike on the Arizona Trail from Sunflower to the Doll Baby Ranch. He was scheduled to hike 51 miles over four days. His last communication expressed that he was on schedule for his pick-up and that he would call when he made it to the end of the trail, but he cannot be reached.

Morris is the Pine-Strawberry Fire Chief and a member of Tonto Rim Search and Rescue.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety's Ranger Helicopter was called to assist in the search. Crews were unable to locate Morris on Tuesday afternoon.

Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd says search operations will continue into Tuesday night and Wednesday. He would also like to thank everyone involved in the search.

UPDATE: Gary Morris was found on Oct. 30. He is said to be in good condition.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/fire-chief-missing-on-arizona-trail-hike-has-been-found