The body of a missing hiker from Arizona has been found in Central California’s Sequoia National Park, authorities said.

According to the National Park Service, Vince Scalise, 41, of Phoenix was found dead by searchers Monday near the junction of Panther Creek and the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River.

Park officials say the cause of death is under investigation.

Crews began mobilizing Sunday to search for Scalise. He was supposed to return from a five-day backpacking trip Wednesday.


The park service says it was notified about Scalise on Saturday night.

Rain and snow had fallen in the area where Scalise was believed missing, with overnight temperatures dipping below freezing.