Arizona man found dead near burning vehicle

A good Samaritan in Arizona was found dead near a burning vehicle on Christmas Eve near a dirt road, authorities said.

Pima County deputies responded around 1:20 a.m. to a report of suspicious activity in the vicinity of 14000 N. San Pedro River Road, phoenix fox reported.

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Paul Clifford, 53, was found dead near a burning vehicle in Arizona on Christmas Eve. (GoFundMe)

“While en route to the scene of the incident, deputies discovered information that led them to believe the incident was potentially related to a stolen vehicle,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.

Investigators believe the suspect went to Paul Clifford’s home and asked for help with a car problem. His family reported him missing when they knew nothing about him.

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Image from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. (Credit: Pima County Sheriff’s Department) (Pima County Sheriff’s Department)

Clifford, 53, was later found dead near a smoking vehicle on a rough dirt road, the news outlet reported.

“It’s very far. It’s very remote and to get there you need a specific vehicle. I think you can get there in a normal two-wheel drive vehicle, but it will be very slow,” said Deputy Adam. Schooner.

Fox News Digital has contacted the sheriff’s office and Clifford’s family. An online fundraiser described Clifford as “a gentle giant and had a huge, kind heart.”

He said he left his home to help a stranded motorist when he didn’t return.

Image of the Pima County Adult Detention Center. (Credit: Pima County Sheriff’s Department) ((Credit: Pima County Sheriff’s Department))

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“My dad disappeared last night at 11:30, he took my truck to jump start someone’s vehicle. We tracked the truck and police found it in Tucson,” Sabrinna Vining wrote on Facebook in a post announcing that her father had been murdered.

No arrests have been made.