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Stranded Man Who Feared Arrest Found Dead After 5-day Search

The snow-capped San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, sacred mountain to the Hopi, Navajo and other tribes, and home to the Arizona Snowbowl ski area.
The snow-capped San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, sacred mountain to the Hopi, Navajo and other tribes, and home to the Arizona Snowbowl ski area.

Authorities say a man who likely died from exposure in northern Arizona had rejected rescue efforts because he feared arrest.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office says 38-year-old Ryan Long died last week while his female friend was found alive.

The woman's mother reported March 7 that their vehicle had become stuck 45 miles (72 kilometers) south of Flagstaff.

Sheriff's spokesman Rex Gilliland says deputies called Long's cellphone and he hung up. They learned that Long believed he might have a warrant and was avoiding law enforcement.

Despite snowy and muddy conditions, searchers found the woman on a forest road the next day. She has since been treated for hypothermia.

Deputies found Long's body three days later 2 miles (3 kilometers) southeast.

Gilliland says authorities found no active warrants for him.

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