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, 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.
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.
