Body of Missing New York Student Discovered at Bottom of Cliff Along Hiking Trail

A large-scale search operation in the Hudson Valley came to a tragic end when the body of a missing New York University student was located in a remote area near a well-known hiking trail.

Officials with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that their forest rangers assisted in the effort to find the student who was last seen on May 12th. The individual, whose identity has not been released, reportedly left his residence distressed and was later believed to be hiking in the Shawangunk Ridge region.

Campus officials at NYU became concerned when the student failed to return and reached out to emergency services early Thursday morning. The only clue to his whereabouts came from a photograph he had sent the day after he disappeared, showing him on the Gertrude’s Nose trail, which is a scenic but rugged location in Ulster County.

The DEC rangers were joined by New York State Police and members of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. By the early afternoon, the operation had expanded to include search dogs, aerial drones, and a helicopter.

Search teams ultimately discovered the student’s body at approximately 2:45pm beneath a cliff area along the trail.

Authorities have not released the cause of death, but the remote and steep terrain has been known to pose dangers to hikers.

Although painful to imagine, it is also possible that the student jumped.

Officials remind the public that anyone in emotional crisis or experiencing mental health challenges can call or text 988 at any time for free, confidential support.

Assistance is also available through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Body of Missing New York Student Discovered at Bottom of Cliff Along Hiking Trail