A kind-hearted man from Arizona, known for his caring nature, was tragically found dead on Christmas Eve, just 14 miles from his home. Paul Clifford, 53, was discovered on a remote dirt road in Pima County near Tucson, after he had gone out to help someone who claimed to have car trouble. Authorities believe he was lured away from his house by a stranger and was later murdered.
According to his daughter, Sabrina Vining, Paul had taken her truck to help jump-start a stranger’s vehicle but never made it back home. “He was murdered,” Sabrina wrote in a Facebook post, heartbroken over the loss of her father. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Paul had been approached at his home by a man who said he needed help with his car. When Paul didn’t return, his worried family contacted the police.
Officers tracked the truck to Redington Pass Road, a rugged area near the San Pedro River. Tragically, Paul’s body was found near a smoldering vehicle. While the details of how he was killed haven’t been disclosed, authorities have confirmed it was a homicide.
Paul Clifford, described by his family as a “gentle giant,” had a big heart and always went out of his way to help others. His family has started a GoFundMe campaign to support his grieving wife. “I’m doing everything I can to be there for my mom right now,” Sabrina shared.
Police suspect that Paul’s murder may be connected to a stolen vehicle. The sheriff’s department reported that early on December 24, deputies responded to a call about suspicious activity near 14000 North San Pedro River Road. While investigating, they linked the incident to a stolen vehicle, which was later found at an apartment complex near Prince Road and Roger Road.
The investigation is still ongoing, and no suspects or motives have been identified yet. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Paul Clifford’s death to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
This heartbreaking story has left the community in shock, mourning the loss of a man who lived to help others.
