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Jeffery Stambaugh Missing Person Case

Last seen in Granite, Arizona on Oct 1, 2022

Victim Details

Mar 1, 2023

Jun 16, 2023

Jeffery

Stambaugh

68

64

64 inches

76 inches

182 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Oct 1, 2022

Granite

Arizona

Yavapai County

86301

No

123573

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

Prescott

Arizona

Yavapai County

86301

John Shannon

Cold Case Investigator

255 East Gurly Street, Arizona

9287713260

County

Law Enforcement

http://www.ycsoaz.gov/

22-032585

Oct 2, 2022

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

2301

Brown

Hazel

Hazel

No

Oct 8, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP100852) and 11 other sources
In the fall of 2022, 64-year-old avid hiker Jeffrey Gordon Stambaugh of Tucson, Arizona, embarked on a camping trip in the Granite Basin Campground near Prescott. An experienced outdoorsman who was drawn to Arizona for its limitless trails, he was enjoying the solitude of the Prescott National Forest. On the morning of September 30th, Jeffrey was last seen at the campground. He had given his cell phone to the camp host to charge, a detail that would later become a poignant part of his story, as he would never return to retrieve it. He was reportedly wearing blue jeans and a plaid shirt at the time. His intention was seemingly to go for a day hike, a common activity for him, but as the hours turned into days, a sense of unease began to settle over those who knew his plans.

The alarm was officially raised when nearby campers noticed that Jeffrey had not been seen at his campsite for several days. This initiated a massive search and rescue operation in the rugged terrain of the Granite Basin Recreation Area. His Subaru was discovered at the Metate Trailhead, a silent testament to the start of his intended journey. For weeks, the search for Jeffrey was extensive and exhaustive. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, along with over 300 volunteers, scoured the vast wilderness. The effort included deputies on horseback, K-9 units, drones, and helicopters, all working in a coordinated attempt to find any trace of the missing man. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Department even contributed a remotely operated vehicle to search a nearby lake. Despite these tireless efforts, the dense brush and challenging landscape yielded no clues to his whereabouts. His personal belongings, left behind in his tent, waited for a return that never came.

As time passed, the official search had to be scaled down, but hope did not entirely fade for Jeffrey's family and friends. His sister and brother-in-law spoke of sleepless nights and the difficulty of being so far away, as most of his family resided on the East Coast. Friends expressed concern over a past ankle injury, worrying that he may have re-injured it and become stranded. The family has continued to organize smaller, targeted searches with experienced hikers. The case of Jeffrey Stambaugh is a somber reminder of how quickly a peaceful retreat into nature can turn into a mystery. An avid hiker who found joy in the outdoors vanished without a trace, leaving behind only his vehicle and personal effects. The comprehensive search efforts, involving numerous agencies and dedicated volunteers, were unfortunately unable to locate him. His disappearance remains an open wound for his loved ones, who continue to seek answers and hold onto the hope of one day understanding what happened in the wilderness of Granite Basin.
Last Seen: Oct 1, 2022

Links to Additional Sources (11)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Help Bring Jeff Stambaugh Home - Facebook
  • Family still searching for Arizona hiker missing for 16 months
  • Help Bring Jeff Stambaugh Home Public Group | Facebook
  • Man disappeared after leaving AZ campground
  • Family of missing Yavapai County hiker begging for answers - 12News
  • MISSING PERSON** YCSO... - Yavapai County Sheriff's Office
  • Arizona hiker Jeffrey Stambaugh missing for nearly a week
  • Search underway for missing hiker in Prescott National Forest
  • York man vanishes hiking in Prescott National Forest
  • YCSO: Man missing from campground in Prescott | 12news.com
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP100852

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    80%Moderate
    John Doe — Peoria, Arizona - unidentified case UP142022
    John Doe — Peoria, Arizona
    UP142022 • Found Feb 12, 2025
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 57–70 vs 63–64 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 87%57 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 2 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'4"–6'4"
    Weight 85%120–150 lb vs 182 lb
    Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Diego, California - unidentified case UP122559
    John Doe — San Diego, California
    UP122559 • Found May 13, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 60–65 vs 63–64 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 45%301 mi away
    TimingFound 19 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'4"–6'4"
    Weight 73%139 lb vs 182 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Hazel vs Hazel

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Has anyone here hiked in Granite Basin around the Metate trailhead? I'm really curious about how... ...Read More
    07/15/2024
    I just stumbled across something interesting while looking into Jeffrey Stambaugh's case. People are... ...Read More
    08/12/2023

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