Authorities have confirmed the death of Hannah Moody, a 31-year-old social media influencer known for her hiking content and spiritual reflections. Her body was discovered on Thursday near a trailhead in Scottsdale, Arizona, a day after she was reported missing.
The Scottsdale Police Department stated in a press release that Moody’s body was found at approximately noon in a Scottsdale preserve, roughly 600 yards off-trail. She had been reported missing by concerned friends around 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday, who had not heard from her.
Following the missing person report, police initiated a search operation and located Moody’s vehicle still parked at the Gateway Trailhead in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Officers conducted a ground search, utilizing drones and a helicopter, before temporarily suspending the effort at around 11:30 p.m. local time.
The search resumed on Thursday morning, with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Air Unit ultimately locating Moody’s body. In a statement, the police department described the discovery as a “heartbreaking development in the extensive search for the missing hiker.”
Investigators are currently working to determine the circumstances surrounding Moody’s death. Police indicated that there were no apparent signs of foul play or trauma at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been established and will be determined by the medical examiner.
Earlier this week, Moody posted a video on social media in which she spoke about her enjoyment of sunset hikes, expressing gratitude that her new day shift at a restaurant allowed her to pursue this passion. She mentioned initial concerns about a potential decrease in income but realized the new schedule was a blessing, enabling her to hike during her favorite time of day. In the video, which was shared with her 44,000 followers, Moody concluded with a message of optimism: “Let this be a reminder that whatever challenge you’re going through, there’s probably something good about it.” The video ended with a scenic view of the sunset.
According to a report by Fox 10 Phoenix, Moody had indicated in an Instagram post on Thursday that she was embarking on a hike and had approximately “five gallons of water” with her.
Friends described Moody as a person with a generous spirit who felt most comfortable and happy in nature, particularly while hiking desert trails. One friend, Lauryn, told the outlet, “She loves the outdoors. If you could put her somewhere where she would be happiest, it would be outside in nature.” Friends also noted that Moody was an experienced and well-prepared hiker. Jessica, another friend, stated, “She does hikes literally weekly like this, so she knows what to do.”
Moody’s brother, Joel Moody, shared a message on Facebook, describing his sister as a “fierce competitor” who was “driven, putting her heart and mind to a goal and pursuing it relentlessly.” He also reflected on her independent nature, stating, “Hannah was also a nomad, a free spirit, searching for a place to belong and to call home after leaving our parents’ house. She was a wanderer, journeying with companions, settling for a time, then moving on.”
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