PCSO: 16-year-old Boy Scout dies while hiking Picacho Peak
PICACHO PEAK, Ariz. (FOX 10/AP) - A 16-year-old boy has died while hiking Picacho Peak in southern Arizona on Saturday.
Pinal County Sheriff's Office says the teenager was hiking with a Boy Scout group. The group went up the mountain with water, however, they ran out of water at the top.
When they ran out of water, authorities say the 16-year-old "began to have some issues," and they "called for help."
The Sheriff's Office says he was pronounced dead on the scene when first responders arrived to save him. His name will not be released.
Spokeswoman Navideh Forghani said Friday that investigators looking into the death don't expect to file a criminal case.
Andy Price, Scout executive and CEO of the Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts of America released the following statement to FOX 10:
"This is a very difficult time for our Scouting family. We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our youth members. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, and we will support them in any way that we can. Please join us in keeping his family and friends everywhere in your thoughts and prayers.
"We are mindful of the impact this incident may have on Scouts and volunteers, and grief counselors are standing by to care for our youth members and adult leaders."
Picacho Peak State Park is located along the Interstate 10 in between Casa Grande and Tucson. It's home to a 1,500-foot peak where the hiking trails are considered difficult and not recommended during hot weather seasons.