A 1 p.m. call to 9-1-1 marked the beginning of a harrowing rescue operation on South Mountain in Phoenix, where a man fell a significant distance while hiking on Friday afternoon.

The $30 million risk of solo hiiking

Fire officials stress that never hiking alone can be a matter of life and death, as seen in this incident.. The quick response was due to the hiker having a companion who witnessed the incident and called for help .

Phoenix Fire Captain DJ Lee noted that while most trails are well-defined, they can be uneven with loose rocks and other hazards. He also warned about wildlife such as scorpions and snakes, advising hikers to stay prepared and remain on marked trails to avoid greater danger.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The cause of the fall, including whether the hiker was on or off the trail, remains unknown... it is unclear how far he fell, whether he tripped and rolled or fell straight down, or if extreme heat played any role in the incident.

As the hiker remains in extremely critical condition, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions and preparedness while hiking.

A familiar pattern from the 2019 crash

While the incident is still under investigation, it echoes a similar warning issued by officials after a 2019 crash on the same mountain. The warning highlighted the dangers of solo hiking and the importance of staying on designated trails.

As the investigation continues, officials urge hikers to exercise caution and stay informed about the risks associated with hiking in the area.