Tragic End to Search for Missing Upstate New York Resident

A search for a missing person in Dutchess County came to a heartbreaking end early Tuesday morning.

The operation began shortly after midnight when Ray Brook Dispatch received a request from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating a 44-year-old individual from Poughquag.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers joined the effort.

Responding personnel located the individual’s vehicle in the northern lot of the Depot Hill Multiple Use Area initiating a coordinated search of the area.

Forest Rangers Pries and Rusher, along with additional emergency personnel, examined the Morgan Stewart shelter along the Appalachian Trail and spoke with nearby campers in hopes of gathering information on the missing person's whereabouts.

Tragically, at approximately 6:30pm on Tuesday, Rangers located the individual deceased. The DEC has not released the name or gender of the person. Following the discovery, responders transported the body to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

The cause of death has not been disclosed. The DEC share resources for those struggling with mental health challenges.

“If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, help is available. 988 is a free 24-hour hotline to call or text anywhere in New York. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK,” the DEC stated in its press release.

Tragic End to Search for Missing Upstate New York Resident