Zaynab Joseph: California school teacher dies after falling off Arizona cliff during family hike

SEDONA, ARIZONA: A California mother tragically lost her life after she fell off a cliff in Arizona while hiking with her husband and toddler on April 15, said authorities.

In a news release, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) said it responded to a report that a woman, identified as Zaynab Joseph, 40, had fallen down a 140 ft cliff on Bear Mountain in Sedona.

The department further noted that a group of hikers heard yelling and learned the woman was seriously injured. “While members of the group called 911, one hiked down the embankment and found that the victim was still breathing, but unfortunately, she passed away shortly after,” the YCSO said in its statement. 

The investigation into Zaynab Joseph's death is currently ongoing

Authorities said that Sedona Fire arrived on the scene first and confirmed Joseph’s death while YCSO responded with its search and rescue teams. Her body was recovered as her husband and one-year-old child were airlifted off the mountain. 

At the time, the family was renting an Airbnb in Sedona, authorities added. The YCSO said it has spoken with hikers coming off the mountain and that an investigation of the incident is going on. 

Zaynab Joseph was a part-time teacher

According to USA Today, Joseph was a part-time teacher at Orange Crescent School in Garden Grove, California, and graduated from the University of Toledo, confirms her LinkedIn.

With about 2,000 ft of elevation in just over 2 miles to a peak, Bear Mountain trail in Sedona is listed as "hard" on the AllTrails hiking app. "It's a rugged trail," the site says. "Some sections are on pure rock at an almost vertical drop. Wear shoes with good traction!"

What did the Zaynab Joseph's sister say?

In an April 16 Facebook message, Farwa Zaidi, who identified herself as Joseph’s sister, wrote, “She had a heart of gold and was very dear to all of us. No words can describe the pain our families are going through, especially her husband and three young children.”

The following day, Zaidi posted another Facebook message about Joseph that read, “My Zaynab Joseph, I will remember you for the rest of my life! I lost my sister, my friend, my mentor, my kids 'mommi' ❤️ and my confidant. You will live in my heart, forever and ever, always! I love you so so much.”

In that same Facebook post, Zaidi shared a message in which Joseph posted a work by the 13th-century poet Rumi on her Facebook account on November 1, 2021. The post began with the poet's words, “On the day I die, when I'm being carried toward the grave, don't weep.”