I live in Kingman and know first hand the high desert can be terribly unforgiving. All of out vehicles (Trucks All) have a survival kit in them including water, tarps for shade, food and signaling devices as well as bunch of stuf to make your wait as comfortable as possible if you get stranded somewhere.

However, I think the biggest issue here is nobody knew where he had gone. If you are going to venture out into the wilderness it's critically important to tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. Additionally STAY WITH THE VEHICLE. It's lots bigger and easier to find than a body. This poor fellow make all the worst mistakes and payed for it with his life.