Sedona Fire District reported Saturday, Feb. 10, crews responded to two separate hiking fall fatalities over the past week.

• Michael Adam Jung, 33, of Scottsdale died the morning of Saturday, Feb. 3, after falling off of Merry Go Round Rock, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jon Paxton stated.

“There was a group of individuals up out of the [Phoenix] valley, they had rented some ATVs [for] a day trip,” Paxton said. “They drive and they go up Schnebly [Hill Road] they all get off, they go out on the Merry Go Round Rock. And he climbs a little spot, I guess where nobody else was climbing out to get a picture and fell.”

Jung fell 75 to 100 feet to his death, likely instantly.

“No medical life saving measures were expended,” Paxton said. Drugs and alcohol were not involved. CCSO received the call at approximately 9:40 a.m. with search and rescue arriving on scene at 1 p.m.

“[Jung] was a successful entrepreneur and adventurer, a man of infinite ideas and creative endeavors who was deeply loved by his family and many friends,” according to his obituary on the Hansen Mortuaries & Cemetery website. “He will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, generosity, tenacity, charisma, and his ability to endlessly surprise us. [Jung] is survived by his parents Patricia and Thomas, brothers Thomas and Steven, sister Melissa, nieces Eleanor, Elisa, and Aveline, and nephew Everett.”

•  On Saturday, Feb. 10, first responders were called out at 12:55 p.m. for a 79-year-old man visiting from North Berwick, Maine, who fell 30 to 35 feet from the Pyramid Trail while hiking with his wife.

“There were multiple witnesses to the fall,” according to a YCSO press release. “The man was witnessed struggling on the hike and was asked if he needed help. He told passers-by that he was fine but minutes later slipped. During his fall down the steep embankment he hit his head multiple times. The man was pronounced dead on the scene. The death was ruled accidental.”

According to YCSO spokeswoman Laura Bauer, YCSO has not released the name of the man.

SFD offered its condolences to the families along with a safety message that winter weather has made the trails slick.

“Please be extra careful around steep slopes and cliff edges,” SFD posted. “Proper footwear and a good hiking buddy are also recommended. Make sure your cell phone is charged and you know which trail you are hiking. Enjoy our beautiful Red Rocks safely.” SFD “strongly advises against hiking near cliff edges and drop-offs, especially under current and forecasted conditions,” SFD stated. “The potential for another significant dose of winter weather may further extend and exacerbate these hazards. Visitors, many of whom travel from afar and may not be familiar with the challenging terrain or swiftly changing weather conditions typical of Sedona’s backcountry, are particularly at risk.”

SFD’s safety recommendations:

☐ Avoid trails with steep drop-offs and give shaded areas of trail extra attention when hiking.

☐ Keep yourself updated on weather conditions.

☐ Dress appropriately for the weather including suitable footwear that provides a good grip and to hike with your cellular phone fully charged.

☐ To hike with a companion or, if hiking alone, let someone know your route and planned return time.