Body of missing hiker found in Olympic National Park thanks to crucial clue

The body of a missing 26-year-old hiker in Washington state's Olympic National Park was recovered nearly two weeks after he set out on a backcountry trek, following a crucial break in the search, officials said.

Searchers located Neil Gehring on the northwest slope of Mount Appleton after receiving and analyzing additional cellphone location data, according to the National Park Service.

Search-and-rescue teams recovered Gehring’s body Sunday evening. He was taken to the Clallam County Coroner’s Office at about 8 p.m. on Sept. 13.

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Officials did not release details about the cellphone data or the circumstances of Gehring’s death.

Gehring left the Madison Falls Trailhead on Aug. 31 for what was supposed to be an overnight backcountry trip.

His permit showed that he planned to make a cross-country trek from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass before returning to the trailhead on Sept. 1.

Gehring was reported overdue at 6:30 a.m. the next morning, prompting an immediate search.

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For the next 10 days, teams searched his expected route from the air and ground, using drones and dogs as part of the effort.

By Sept. 11, the park announced it was changing tactics after the searches failed to locate Gehring. Teams would instead focus on finding new clues that could help narrow the search.

Investigators also asked anyone who had been in the area or had information about Gehring’s whereabouts to come forward.

Two days later, searchers found Gehring after receiving and analyzing the additional cellphone location data.

Olympic National Park thanked the search-and-rescue teams that volunteered to help with the effort.

NPS said no additional information was available at this time.