The body of hiking influencer Hannah Moody, 31, was discovered near the Gateway Trailhead parking lot at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, more than a day after she was last seen. The social media content creator, who had amassed 44,000 Instagram followers through her outdoor adventures and Christian-focused posts, was found approximately 600 yards off-trail by a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter crew around 12:05 p.m.
Moody was reported missing by concerned friends at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, after they were unable to reach her by phone. She had been last seen that morning in the Gateway Trailhead area of the preserve, which spans over 30,000 acres and represents the largest urban preserve in the United States. When officers responded to the trailhead, they located her vehicle still parked in the lot, but attempts to reach her by phone or ping her cellphone proved unsuccessful.
The Scottsdale Police Department initiated an extensive search operation that evening, deploying officers on foot with drones and assistance from a Phoenix Police Department helicopter. Search efforts continued for approximately four and a half hours until around 11:30 p.m., when the operation was suspended for the night. The search resumed the following morning with more than 20 officers utilizing bicycles, drones, and support from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue team and air unit. Additional volunteers also joined the effort.
“Tragically, Hannah’s body was located by search crews,” the Scottsdale Police Department confirmed in a social media statement. The department extended condolences to Moody’s family and friends while requesting privacy during their time of grief. Police sources indicated there were no obvious signs of foul play or trauma at the discovery site, though a thorough investigation remains ongoing.
Moody’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news through emotional social media posts. Her brother Ethan expressed his grief on Facebook, writing that he, along with their brother Joel and parents, missed her beyond words. Joel Moody described his sister as a fierce competitor who was continuously dedicated to self-improvement, characterizing her as a nomad and free spirit who had been searching for a place to belong after leaving their parents’ house. He expressed hope that in death, she had found the home she sought in life.
The hiking influencer had a complex background that included professional dancing and bodybuilding before transitioning to her role as a digital content creator. Originally from California, Moody had previously lived in Charleston, South Carolina, before moving back to Arizona approximately six months ago. According to information she shared on social media, she had worked as a dancer for nine years before discovering amateur bodybuilding, competing in five shows between 2015 and 2018 and placing fifth in one national competition.
Moody’s father, John, described his daughter to ABC15 as a courageous, tough, smart, kind, and generous person who loved spending time with friends and practicing her Christian faith. He emphasized that she had a transformational impact on those who knew her and loved the outdoors, noting that she was doing one of her favorite activities when she went missing. He indicated that as an avid hiker, Hannah was prepared to safely travel in the weather conditions.
On her Instagram account, where she had recently launched a series called “Hikes with Han,” Moody regularly shared her love for Arizona’s desert landscape and her Christian beliefs. Just days before her disappearance, she posted content encouraging her followers to focus on positive aspects of every situation. In her final Instagram post related to the hiking trip, she mentioned wanting to complete one last hike before summer temperatures became too intense, noting that she had brought approximately five gallons of water with her.
Friends and fellow hikers described Moody as an experienced outdoor enthusiast who completed trail hikes weekly and always came prepared. Jessica, one of her friends, emphasized that Moody was knowledgeable about proper hiking procedures, while another friend named Lauryn noted that if you could place Hannah anywhere she would be happiest, it would be outside in nature. The Gateway Loop trail, where Moody was hiking, is considered a moderately challenging 4.4-mile loop according to AllTrails, featuring rocky terrain and elevation changes throughout the McDowell Mountains.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where the incident occurred, operates from sunrise to sunset daily and offers over 225 miles of trails accessible through multiple trailheads. The preserve maintains specific safety guidelines, including recommendations that hikers avoid bringing dogs when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The Gateway Trailhead, one of the preserve’s largest and most popular access points, provides modern facilities including restrooms, water stations, and detailed trail maps.
Scottsdale detectives and crime scene personnel are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Moody’s death. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to establish the official cause of death. Police characterized Moody’s disappearance as unexpected and uncharacteristic based on information provided by family and friends.
The case highlights ongoing safety concerns for hikers in Arizona’s desert environment, particularly as temperatures begin rising with the approaching summer season. Local hiking experts stress the importance of carrying adequate water, hiking with partners when possible, and maintaining communication with others about planned routes and expected return times. The Scottsdale Police Department continues to request any individuals with information about the case to contact them at 480-312-5000.
