Hiker found dead after dayslong search in notorious mountain range
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

An extensive four-day search for a New Hampshire man who had been missing in a notorious range of the Rocky Mountains ended in tragedy earlier this week.

Russell Hardy, 55, set out on a hiking adventure on Pikes Peak, in the front range of the Rockies, after arriving in Colorado on June 10, according to the El Paso County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office. He began his hike the next day, and was meant to return home by June 12, but never did.

Pikes Peak stands at 14,110 feet, making it one of the tallest mountains in the United States.

russell hardy standing at the summit of Mt. Washington in blue jeans and a black t-shirt

Russell Hardy, who was found dead near the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, stands on the summit of Mt. Washington.  (El Paso County Sheriff’s Office)

Police say foul play is not suspected.

“While there is no indication of foul play, this appears to be a tragic outcome of a man confronting the challenges of nature,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Our deepest condolences are with Mr. Hardy’s family during this difficult time,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Although this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, the dedication shown by everyone involved remains deeply appreciated. Over 100 volunteers from agencies across the Pikes Peak region assisted in the search, braving varying weather conditions and challenging terrain for the mission.

Sign plate for the summit of Pikes Peak resting atop red rocks

Views of the Pikes Peak sign plate on top of the mountain on Aug. 26, 2015. Pikes Peak is a famous mountain in the Rocky Mountains for hill races and recreation. (Getty Images)

“On behalf of myself and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all deputies, volunteers, rangers, and support personnel who committed themselves to this effort.”

In a Thursday morning release, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said the Army Reserve helped recover Hardy’s body.

“At the request of local authorities, Army Reserve aviation assets from Charlie Company, 7–158th General Support Aviation Battalion supported a recovery operation on Pikes Peak,” said Captain Britney Tingstrom of the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Officer. “The mission was conducted in coordination with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and El Paso County Search and Rescue to assist in the safe retrieval of a deceased individual from a remote location. 

The sheriff’s office said it is continuing its investigation and that the county coroner’s office will soon officially confirm Hardy’s identity. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Jaws' 50th anniversary: How to watch the special anniversary screening

How to watch the special screening of ‘Jaws’ for its 50th anniversary

“Jaws” established — and still in many ways defines — the summer…
Israel warns people to evacuate the area around Iran's Arak heavy water reactor

Israel advises residents to leave the vicinity of Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor

The warning came in a social media post on X, which included…
Karen Read murder case verdict reached after deadlocked first trial

Karen Read murder case verdict reached after deadlocked first trial

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Jurors have reached a…
Ryanair jet from UK crashes into barrier on runway at Greek airport

Ryanair plane from UK collides with barrier on runway at Greek airport

A Ryanair flight from London crashed into a barrier on the runway…
Seth Meyers makes grim prediction for the future of his show

Seth Meyers’ show faces a bleak future, according to the host

Seth Meyers has admitted there’s not a bright future for late night,…
Key takeaways from the acquittal of Karen Read in her Boston police officer boyfriend's death

Lessons learned from Karen Read’s clearance in the case involving her Boston cop partner’s demise

DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — Karen Read walked out of court a free…
LSU clinches spot in College World Series final after Arkansas botches game

LSU Secures Place in College World Series Championship after Arkansas Makes Mistakes

In the exciting College World Series match between LSU and Arkansas, the…
Fugitive ex-deputy vanishes before trial in deadly sports car crash

Fugitive ex-deputy vanishes before trial in deadly sports car crash

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An arrest warrant has…