Russell Hardy, a 55-year-old man from New Hampshire, was found dead on Pikes Peak, near Colorado Springs, after a four-day search by local sheriff’s offices. His family reported him missing on June 13, prompting a joint search-and-rescue operation involving K-9 teams, drones, and over 100 volunteers.
Hardy, who arrived in Colorado on June 10, began his hike on Pikes Peak, one of the tallest mountains in the United States, with plans to return home by June 12. He never returned, leading to a massive search effort by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Teller County Sheriff’s Office.
The search involved advanced technology, including drones and K-9 units, and was supported by over 100 volunteers from agencies across the Pikes Peak region. The Army Reserve also assisted in the recovery operation, using aviation assets to help retrieve Hardy’s body from the remote location.
Authorities have confirmed that foul play is not suspected, and the sheriff’s office has reiterated its condolences to Hardy’s family while expressing appreciation for the dedication of all involved in the search effort.