53- year-old Goodyear man dies on Humphrey's Peak

Running Enthusiast Perishes on Humphrey’s Peak

 

Flagstaff, AZ : Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives are investigating the death of fifty-three year old John Greer of Goodyear , Arizona who is believed to have died while attempting to run/hike to the summit of Humphrey’s Peak. 

 

On Saturday, May 26, 2012 at about 11:30 am Emergency Communications Specialists of the Flagstaff/Coconino County 911 Center received a cell phone call from a hiker who was a quarter mile beneath the Summit of Humphrey’s Peak.  The caller was hiking with a friend when they happened upon a male who was down and appeared to be unconscious and not breathing.  The two good Samaritans administered life saving first aid to include Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation for more than 30 minutes but unfortunately to no avail. 

 

Due to the high elevation, approximately twelve-thousand feet, and existing weather conditions of high winds and significant wind chill, the rescue/recovery effort posed a high degree of risk to the first responders.  The Coconino County Sheriff’s Sergeant/Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator along with several SAR volunteers hiked to the location of the victim and confirmed that he was deceased.  Due to the extreme elevation and rugged terrain, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue helicopter was not able to land.  Instead, a long-line evacuation system was used during which the victim’s body was suspended underneath the helicopter by a rope.  The victim was flown to a safe landing zone where he was transferred to a representative of the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

 

Detectives spoke with Mr. Greer’s family members and learned that he was an avid runner and hiker and was in the Flagstaff area engaged in high altitude training in preparation of an upcoming race competition.  Detectives are continuing this investigation.