FLAGSTAFF – Lost hiker Scott Olson was found deceased at about 10:50 a.m. this morning on the north-west side of Humpries Peak. A search team assigned to that area spotted recent dog tracks and followed the tracks to where Faith, his dog, remained in close proximity to his master.
Mr. Olson’s body was located at an elevation greater than 10,000 feed downslope from a landmark know as Philomeno Spring. The cause of death was not readily apparen. Inestigators found no signs of foul play.
Faith was in good condition and taken down the mountain and returned to a member of the Scott family.
On Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Scott Olson left his cabin located in the Hart Prairie area and told his neighbors he was going for a hike in the meadow with his mixed breed dog “Faith.” That was the last time that his friends or family members saw or heard from him. Scott’s relatives reported him as a missing person on Wednesday afternoon.
The Sheriff’s Office initiated a ground and air search late Wednesday evening with searchers on foot and in vehicles looking for Mr. Olson all night.
Early Thursday morning a day time search was initiated that include searchers on foot, in vehicles, with scent dogs and in aircraft. Once again the search continued throughout the night.
On Friday morning the search group consisted of more than 50 individuals serving as searchers or support staff and air support provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Department thanked the many friends and relatives of Mr. Olson who assisted in the search or provided valuable information and support.
Scott Olson served as a volunteer in the Coconino County Detention Facility for five years beginning October of 2009 providing ministry services for hundreds of inmates. His dedication and strong sense of community service was greatly appreciated by jail staff and the inmates he served. The investigation will be continued by Sheriff’s Detectives and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Northern Arizona Gazette extends our condolences to the family of Olson Scott.