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Pinal County Sheriff's Office: Hiker killed in fall while taking photo

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office responded after a friend of the 21-year-old called 911 saying the man had slipped while taking a photo.

PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. — Authorities say a hiker camping on Flatiron peak in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix was found dead after apparently slipping while taking a photo and falling hundreds of feet. 

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said the body of 21-year-old Richard Jacobson was recovered after a hiking companion called 911 at approximately 12:45 a.m. Monday. 

The office said Jacobson’s body was found nearly 700 feet below where the hikers were camping near Lost Dutchman State Park. 

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter helped recover Jacobson’s body.

There were no signs of foul play or impairment, according to Sergeant Doug Peoble with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team.

Peoble said the Superstitions can be dangerous and that hikers should always exercise caution and put safety first. 

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