SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The body of 31-year-old California native Hannah Moody was discovered late last month near a hiking trail in Scottsdale, Arizona, authorities confirmed.
Moody, described as a social media influencer with over 45,000 followers on Instagram, was reported missing on May 21 after friends lost contact with her following a hike. Her Instagram posts reflected her passions for hiking, fitness, and Christian faith.
Search and Discovery
Scottsdale Police responded to the Gateway Trailhead of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve where Moody was last seen. Her vehicle remained parked at the trailhead when officers arrived.
- Search efforts began shortly after 8 p.m. and continued for over four hours with foot patrols, drones, and a Phoenix Police helicopter before being suspended overnight
- The next morning, over 20 officers, along with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s search and rescue and air units, resumed the search
- Moody’s body was located by the sheriff’s air unit approximately 600 feet from the trailhead around noon
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities said the body showed no signs of trauma or foul play, though the investigation remains in its early stages.
The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. Scottsdale detectives and crime scene personnel are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Moody’s death.
Environmental Conditions
Temperatures in the area frequently exceed 100 degrees by midday, which may have contributed to the circumstances of Moody’s death.
Community Reaction
Moody lived in several counties in California as well as South Carolina before moving to Arizona. Her followers and friends expressed grief and remembrance on social media following the announcement.
Were You Hiking in Scottsdale Recently?
If you have any information about Moody’s last known whereabouts or the hiking trails near Gateway Trailhead, please contact the Scottsdale Police Department to assist with the ongoing investigation.
