New York Troopers, Rangers Search Adirondacks for Missing Westporter (Times Union) UPDATE
Update:
After nearly one week missing, New York State Police and Park Rangers report that the body of Westporter Thomas Howard was recovered at around 10:30 this morning from the Adirondack High Peaks. “The Howard family wishes to express their gratitude to the community and the searchers for their support” read a State release published by NCPR, “"The family asks for privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved one."
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Conn. hiker reported missing after Adirondack hike
“NORTH ELBA [NY] — State Police at Ray Brook are assisting state forest rangers with a missing hiker from Connecticut.
On March 11, Thomas A. Howard of Westport went hiking in on Mt. Colden in the town of North Elba. On March 16, he was reported missing after failing to return from his trip.
Howard is approximately 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, has gray hair, and was last known to be wearing a long red jacket, gray boots and snow shoes. His last known location was at the Marcy Dam lean-to.
State Police and forest rangers are asking anyone who may have seen Howard to contact Troop B at 518-891-2000, or the DEC in Ray Brook at 518-891-0235.”
The search for the missing Westporter - a Yale alum with a doctorate in economics and experience hiking - has been elevated to an intense multi-agency response, according to NCPR:
According to the DEC, Howard said he planned to return to the trailhead by Sunday, March 13.
Three days after his anticipated return, DEC Dispatch was notified that Howard was overdue. His car was found at the Adirondack Loj parking lot.
Adirondack Forest Rangers have searched the area on foot, on snowmobile and by air with the help of the New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation helicopter.
Hikers in the High Peaks have reportedly been seeing the state helicopter flying low over the Mt. Colden and Trap Dike area in recent days.
Forest Rangers have been assisted in their search by NYSP Investigators, DEC Emergency Management Unit, and Trained Rescue Climbers and plan to continue their search for Howard on Friday