Woman who went missing during Phoenix hike found dead

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - It was a tragic end for a woman who went hiking in north Phoenix on Friday morning but never returned. Police confirmed on Friday evening they found the body of 34-year-old Jessica Christine Lindstrom on the north side of Deem Hills Recreation Area, near 51st Avenue and Happy Valley Road.

She went hiking around 8:30 a.m. Family and friends say she was reported missing around 11:30 a.m. Her death isn’t considered suspicious, but police didn’t say how she died. That’ll be determined by the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.

Arizona’s Family spoke with Lindstrom’s dad last night on the scene, and he described his daughter as energetic, strong-willed, and a great mom to her four little boys. Lindstrom worked as a nurse and was in town visiting family for the baptism of one of her sons which was scheduled for Saturday. Her dad told Arizona’s Family she used to live in Peoria but now lives in Oregon. When she was living in Arizona, her dad said she used to hike the same trails often with her husband.

“Our thoughts and prayers and our hearts go out to her family and everyone struggling with this tragedy right now. Right now, the cause of death is still under investigation. It is safe to say that we just want to remind everybody right now during this heat just be very mindful of the times you’re hiking and to take every safety precaution you can while hiking,” said Captain Kimberly Ragsdale with the Phoenix Fire Department.

A GoFundMe has been created to help with funeral expenses for Lindstrom. If you would like to donate, click here.

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