Hiker found dead after dayslong search in notorious mountain range
Share this @internewscast.com

A thorough four-day search came to a tragic conclusion earlier this week for a man from New Hampshire who had gone missing in a well-known range of the Rocky Mountains.

Russell Hardy, 55, embarked on a hiking trip on Pikes Peak, located in the front range of the Rockies, shortly after arriving in Colorado on June 10, as per the El Paso County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office. He started his hike the following day and was expected to make his way back home by June 12, but failed to do so.

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, recently found deceased near the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado, is seen at 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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
California police officer struck and killed by car while stopping to help driver

Tragic Loss: California Officer Fatally Struck While Heroically Assisting Stranded Driver

The La Mesa Police Department is grieving the loss of one of…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
No CTA trains will run on Chicago Loop elevated rails this weekend for track work, including Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines

Chicago Loop Train Shutdown: No CTA Service on Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Lines This Weekend Due to Track Maintenance

Attention, commuters! This weekend, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced a…
Largest teachers union teams up with ‘60s radical professor’s namesake org peddling anti-American curriculum

Controversy Erupts as Largest Teachers Union Partners with Controversial ’60s Radical Group on New Curriculum Initiative

This article is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus Radicals.…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
New take on twisted '90s thriller 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe Lead Riveting Remake of 90s Thriller ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

In Hollywood, a fresh reimagining of a classic thriller is making waves.…
California police officer killed in crash on Interstate 8

Tragic Interstate 8 Collision Claims Life of California Police Officer

The La Mesa community is grappling with the tragic loss of Officer…
Five Points businesses recovering after break-ins

Five Points Businesses Rebound Following Recent Break-Ins

Pattaya Thai is among several businesses in Five Points grappling with the…
King Charles, Queen Camilla pray with Pope Leo in historic step for churches and welcome respite from Epstein scandal

King Charles and Queen Camilla Engage in Historic Prayer with Pope Leo, Offering a Church Unification Milestone Amid Epstein Scandal Distraction

In a landmark visit to the Vatican, King Charles III of Britain…
Luigi Mangione joked about paying for prostitutes with Pokémon cards during Asia trip: report

Report: Luigi Mangione Allegedly Jokes About Using Pokémon Cards for Payment During Asia Visit

Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin, humorously recounted using valuable “Pokémon” cards to…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
Former New York state trooper sentenced to 6 months in prison after faking his own shooting: 'disgraceful'

Ex-New York Trooper Jailed for Six Months Over Fake Shooting Incident: Described as ‘Disgraceful

A former New York state trooper received a six-month jail sentence on…