Sheriff's Mounted Posse volunteer killed during search and rescue effort

Volunteer Dies during Search and Rescue

Gila County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse member Larry Woolsey, 77,  fell to his death Tuesday, April 5 during a search for a subject who had been missing since April 1. 

Woolsey was working with two other Mounted Posse members when the accident occurred.  He was leading his horse across an old dam where he lost his footing and fell approximately 20 feet to the rocks below. 

Life saving practices were performed by other members of the Mounted Posse and Hells Gate Fire Department was dispatched to the location of the accident.  The accident scene was in the Town limits of Star Valley in the Tonto National Forest.  Due to the remote location, medical assistance had to hike in or ride in on ATV’s.  Woolsey was pronounced deceased at 7:44 p.m. by on scene medical personnel. 

Gila County Sheriff John Armer expresses his condolences to the family and friends of Larry Woolsey.  Armer said, "Larry was a friend to many and an irreplaceable asset to the Mounted Posse.  He will be missed by all."