Boy Scout, 16, dies on hike in Arizona desert after troop runs out of water
PICACHO PEAK, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities are investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy during a hike with a Boy Scouts troop in the Arizona desert.
Pinal County sheriff's officials say the group had water but ran out when they got to the top of the trail up 1,500 feet on Saturday and the teen began to exhibit signs of extreme dehydration on the way down.
Members of the group called for help, and emergency responders tried to resuscitate the boy but couldn't. Authorities say he died at the scene.
It's unclear if the lack of water led to the teen's death at Picacho Peak State Park between Phoenix and Tucson.
Officials have identified the boy as Joshua White of Goodyear.
Goodyear's family says he loved scouting and that he and fellow scouts and their leaders were experienced hikers "fully prepared" for their planned activities.
Andy Price, an executive with the Boy Scouts' Grand Canyon Council, says the organization is deeply saddened by the teen's death and they're providing support for the family and the scouting community.