Monday morning YCSO responded to a report that a woman had fallen down a 140-foot cliff on Bear Mountain while hiking with her husband and 1 year old child. A group of hikers stopped after hearing yelling and discovered that the woman was seriously injured. While members of the group called 911, one hiked down the embankment and found that the victim was still breathing, but unfortunately, she passed away shortly after. She was identified as 40-year-old Zaynab Joseph.
Sedona Fire was first on scene and confirmed Ms. Joseph had died. YCSO responded with Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, and a DPS Ranger helicopter was also called to assist. The husband and child were flown off the mountain, and the victim was recovered with the assistance of the DPS Ranger and the SAR volunteers. The family who is from California, were renting an Airbnb in Sedona.
YCSO conducted multiple interviews of hikers coming off the mountain, and the cause of the incident is still under investigation. YCSO asks that anyone with information or who witnessed the tragedy, to contact YCSO at 928-771-3260.
