Hiker who’d been missing for months has been found dead with his beloved dog alive by his side
A Colorado hiker who had been missing for months has been found dead with his beloved dog, still alive, by his side.
According to Fox News, Rich Moore, 71, of Pagosa Springs, went hiking with his dog in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, near his home on August 19.
However, Moore never returned home, and a search party commenced with helicopters surveying the area.
His car was found, but the 71-year-old was nowhere to be seen.
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But officials have now confirmed almost two months later that a local hunter discovered the missing man's body on October 30 in the Lower Blanco drainage basin.
Moore's small Jack Russell, Finney, was also found alive by the hiker's body.
"It was so steep, we were inserted in by a helicopter," the Taos Search and Rescue (TSR) said via its Facebook page.
"He was found 2.5 miles East of the mountain-top beneath where we were inserted."
Delinda Vanne-Brightyn, a member of the group, said that while the team was searching for Moore, they endured forceful winds and turbulent weather conditions.
"We searched from just under the peak-top and directly west, searching down the mountain toward where his car was located," Vanne-Brightyn added.
Moore's cause of death is yet to be confirmed, according to the officials, but foul play is not suspected.
After Finney was found, the loyal dog was transported to the vet before he was reunited with his family.
The story touched many Facebook users, as one person wrote: "Amazing that the dog stayed with him. They are truly man's best friend."
Another said: "Oh my goodness…his sweet dog stayed with him for over two months? Sending prayers for his family. Thank you for your work in locating him and giving this family some closure."
While a third commented: "So sad, and yet so beautiful that the little Jack Russell stayed with him for all these weeks...Sometimes tragedies remind us of the bond between man and his best friend."
Charisa Bossinakis