On Aug. 30, at approximately 4:45 PM, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported deceased male subject found by hikers near the Beaver Creek Campground.
This campground is located on the east side of Interstate 17 at the State Route 179 off-ramp.
The man had no identification on him or among his belongings to assist YCSO in determining his identity. The manner of death was due to natural causes, according to YCSO Public Information officer Dwight D’Evelyn.
Since the original report, detectives have been unsuccessful in determining the man’s identity and are asking for public assistance.
Investigation so far revealed the man was in Flagstaff on Saturday, Aug. 27. A cab driver transported the man from the Amtrak Station in Flagstaff to the Beaver Creek Campground area. The trip included a stop at the Weber’s IGA store in the Village of Oak Creek.
He is a white male, approximately 35 to 45 years old, 6 feet 1 tall, weighing 252 pounds, with a large stomach, bald head and a goatee.
Clothing included a tie-dye shirt, spare shirt with Widespread Panic band logo and black tennis type shoes.
Additionally, a hat and backpack were also located near the body.
The victim’s first name may be Philip with likely prior ties to the Verde Valley areas of Yavapai County including Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Sedona and Rimrock. It is possible this man person was originally from Florida or New Mexico.
Prior employment might have been as a pharmacist with the CVS chain of stores.
If you have any information as to the identity of this person, contact Sgt. Dan Raiss with YCSO at 928-771-3260. The callers who provide information which could help identify this man will be offered an opportunity to look at photographs of the body.
Persons may also report information anonymously to Yavapai Silent Witness at (800) 932-3232.
