BENTON, N.H. (AP) - It appears that snow, heavy wind gusts and below-freezing temperatures played a major factor in the case of a hiker who went missing and was later found dead near the summit of Mount Moosilauke, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said.
Searchers went to find Roy Sanford, 66, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, on Sunday night after his family said he was expected to return by dinner.
Conservation officers reached the south peak of Moosilauke in Benton that night before needing to turn around due to the wind, lack of visibility, and their own safety, the department said in a news release Tuesday. Nearby trailheads were checked throughout the night and morning for signs of Sanford.
On Monday morning, teams searched all trails and by helicopter for Sanford. Footprints were found in fresh snow that afternoon and led to his body, the department said.
“This time of year always offers a challenging time for enjoying the wilds of the state,” the department said. “Temperatures have the potential to change by 20 degrees in a day. Additionally, the mountain tops have retained most of their winter feel but still swarm brooks and streams with water, making crossings more difficult.”
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