Ariz. authorities suspend search for 3 Utah men missing while looking for legendary gold mine

Search suspended for 3 men on Ariz. treasure hunt

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — Authorities have suspended the search for three Utah men reported missing while looking for the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in the rugged Arizona wilderness.

Maricopa County sheriff’s officials said Monday that crews covered almost 100 square miles in seven days of searching for the three hikers from Salt Lake City.

Family members say 67-year-old Curtis Meriworth, 62-year-old Ardean Charles and 51-year-old Malcolm Meeks planned on hiking into Superstition Mountains and exploring the area. Their vehicle was found July 11 parked at a trailhead.

Four helicopters and a plane with thermal imaging equipment also searched the mountains about 40 miles east of Phoenix.

Treasure hunters have been looking for the mine for more than a century.