August 12, 2020 Khayman "Khay" Welch and his uncle had wrapped up working for the day in Tortilla Flat, AZ. On their way home they were discussing how amazing the Arizona sunsets were, so decided to stop to watch the sunset at the Weaver's Needle Vista. Khay was last seen by a sign near a Ramada at the vista. When Khay's uncle was done with what he was doing in the vehicle he went to join Khay for the walk, he couldn't locate him. Authorities were contacted and a search ensued for Khay. The temperature that day was 108 degrees with a low of 82 degrees. The days following Khay's disappearance temps soared to well above 110 degrees. When Khay left he had no water, food, or personal items with him. Just a round brimmed navy blue hat with a "Valley Metro" logo on it. He was wearing black combat style leather boots, black jeans (unknown brand), and a black tee shirt with a neon green logo on front.
Many people have lost their lives in the Superstitions either from the extreme Arizona temperatures, or their desire to find the Lost Dutchman Gold. At first glance at this case it was presumed that Khay had become lost, been injured, or fell ill from the heat. After becoming more familiar with the family, I was informed that Khay was recently battling depression, and extreme social anxiety. Khay is a talented tattoo artist who was taking time away from his passion to attempt to get his mind right.
When searches came up with no signs of Khay out in the area. Family began looking through Khay's search history and found that he had been watching videos about suicide. He had searched for things like "What to do when you feel suicidal". Khay had appointments lined up to attempt to get help with his mental state. There are so many variables to this case from lost/disoriented hiker, to possibly deciding to walk off into the sunset and never look back. People have speculated about him wanting to disappear, blamed the family member who was with him that day which neither seem possible. Khay did not have his cell phone that day, so had no way of reaching anyone to plan some great escape. Battling depression and social anxiety we can't see him hitchhiking.
We have sent his posters to homeless organizations and missions in the area, shared his pictures all over social media, and YouTube to no avail. Other than continuing to search the area we are at a dead end.
Many people have lost their lives in the Superstitions either from the extreme Arizona temperatures, or their desire to find the Lost Dutchman Gold. At first glance at this case it was presumed that Khay had become lost, been injured, or fell ill from the heat. After becoming more familiar with the family, I was informed that Khay was recently battling depression, and extreme social anxiety. Khay is a talented tattoo artist who was taking time away from his passion to attempt to get his mind right.
When searches came up with no signs of Khay out in the area. Family began looking through Khay's search history and found that he had been watching videos about suicide. He had searched for things like "What to do when you feel suicidal". Khay had appointments lined up to attempt to get help with his mental state. There are so many variables to this case from lost/disoriented hiker, to possibly deciding to walk off into the sunset and never look back. People have speculated about him wanting to disappear, blamed the family member who was with him that day which neither seem possible. Khay did not have his cell phone that day, so had no way of reaching anyone to plan some great escape. Battling depression and social anxiety we can't see him hitchhiking.
We have sent his posters to homeless organizations and missions in the area, shared his pictures all over social media, and YouTube to no avail. Other than continuing to search the area we are at a dead end.
