An overdue male hiker, approximately 50 years of age, was discovered deceased at Tricorner Knob Shelter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Park Rangers early Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 16. The name of the hiker is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of family.
The hiker left Newfound Gap on Saturday morning intending to hike 30 miles along the Appalachian Trail to Davenport Gap in North Carolina. The hiker was reported overdue Monday afternoon by a friend when he failed to show up at Davenport Gap. Rangers initiated an investigation at that time. Rangers were searching trails in the area when the discovery was made today.
Park Rangers are investigating the incident with the assistance of the Swain County Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause of death does not appear to be suspicious.
– NPS
