AZ - Man found hanging in climbing gear 70 feet down cliff had been stung by bees

A climber and his faithful dog have perished in Arizona after they appear to have been attacked by killer bees as he scaled a cliff.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office says that 55-year-old Steven Johnson, a counselor with some 30 years experience hiking and climbing was found dead, hanging 70-feet from the ground in his climbing gear in the Santa Rita Mountains on Monday night.

The cause of death has not been determined yet, but officials said that Johnson was covered in bee stings when he was found while his dead dog was discovered at the top of the cliff.
---
Sheriff's Lt. Raoul Rodriguez says Johnson may have disturbed bees by hammering a spike into the cliff.
---

Click to expand...

TrackerSam said:

I wonder what was the dog's cause of death?

Click to expand...

Nova said:

The article implies no autopsy or necropsy has been performed, but it does begin by stating the climber AND his dog "appear to have been attacked" by the bees. It wouldn't surprise me if the dog refused to abandon his companion, despite the threat.

Click to expand...