Dix Range, New York, United States – On Wednesday, February 25 at 8:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a report from a caller saying her spouse was overdue in the Dix Range after failing to return from a planned hike.

The 58-year-old hiker from Mechanicville had begun a two-day trip the previous day. The last communication occurred at 7:15 a.m., when the hiker was about six miles from the intended finishing point and reported being tired and moving slowly.

At 9:50 p.m., Forest Rangers located the hiker’s vehicle at the Elk Lake trailhead. Seven Rangers searched the area overnight but did not locate the missing person.

The following day, Thursday, February 26, the search expanded to more than 20 Rangers. Aviation units from the New York State Police transported Rangers to higher elevations and also carried out aerial search operations.

At 2:55 p.m., a Ranger search team discovered the missing hiker off the Lillian Brook trail. The individual was showing signs of mild hypothermia and frostbite.

At 4:20 p.m., Ranger R. Praczkajlo successfully hoisted the hiker into a helicopter. Pilot Engel then flew the aircraft to Lake Placid Airport, where Lake Placid Emergency Medical Services were waiting to provide medical care.

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