Zaynab Joseph, a 40-year-old mother and part-time teacher from California, lost her life after a fall from a cliff. Joseph was hiking on Bear Mountain near Sedona, Arizona with her husband and young child.
The fatal accident occurred on Monday, April 15, 2024. As per the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph fell roughly 140 feet while hiking on a trail renowned for its difficulty.
On hearing shouts, nearby hikers paused their journey. Some of them called emergency services, while another hiker risked descending a steep slope to reach the severely injured Joseph, who was found alive but in critical condition.
“Unfortunately, she died from her injuries soon thereafter,” reported the sheriff’s office. The authorities also confirmed that Joseph’s husband and child were airlifted from the mountain, and later, her body was recovered.
Joseph’s family, who were staying at a local Airbnb in Sedona, Arizona, had come to visit the area.
The US Forest Service describes Bear Mountain as a “strenuous hike,” characterized by unshaded, steep terrains and sections requiring rock scrambling. The trail rises over 1,800 feet in altitude within a mere 2.3 miles, indicating the potential risks of such outdoor activities.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Joseph was employed as a part-time teacher at the Orange Crescent School in Garden Grove, California, and was a University of Toledo graduate.
On April 16, Farwa Zaidi, who identified herself as Joseph’s sister, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook: “She had a heart of gold and was immensely loved by everyone. Words cannot capture the agony our families are enduring.”
Zaidi posted another message the following day: “My Zaynab Joseph, I will carry your memory for a lifetime! I’ve lost my sister, my friend, my mentor, the ‘mommi’ to my children, and my confidante. You will forever reside in my heart, always! I love you immensely.” She also mentioned that Joseph had shared a quote by Rumi, a 13th-century poet, on her Facebook page on November 1, 2021. “On the day I die, when I’m being carried toward the grave, don’t weep.”
Currently, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances leading to the accident, interviewing witnesses, and requesting anyone with information to come forward.
This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the safety measures and precautions required for hiking in such challenging environments. Authorities are advising hikers to adequately prepare and to exercise caution while undertaking activities on rugged terrains like those on Bear Mountain.
