Missing hiker found dead in Olympic National Park

Missing hiker discovered dead in Olympic National Park. Saleen Martin USA TODAY.

Key points

• Gehring was from Massachusetts, Clallam County Coroner Rebecca Shankles informed USA TODAY on Sept.
• According to his backcountry permit, Neil wanted to travel from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass.
• He left the Madison Falls Trailhead in Olympic National Park on Aug.
• An investigation is underway after a 26-year-old hiker was discovered dead in a national park in Washington state, authorities stated.
• Gehring died of extensive blunt trauma of the head, torso and limbs, the Clallam County Coroner has confirmed.

Missing hiker discovered dead in Olympic National Park. Saleen Martin USA TODAY. How to report a missing person. Here's how to take action when a person goes missing.

For context, an investigation is underway after a 26-year-old hiker was discovered dead in a national park in Washington state, authorities stated.

Search and rescue teams discovered Neil Gehring's body at the northwest slope of Mt. Appleton in Olympic National Park on Sunday, Sept. 13, the National Park Service remarked in a news release. The discovery came almost two weeks after he set out to hike from nearby Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass.

"Searchers located Gehring after receiving and analyzing additional cell phone location data, " the park service remarked in the press release. "Gehring was transferred to the Clallam County Coroner's Office at approximately 8 p.m. On September 13."

For context, the park service declined to provide extra information when reached by USA TODAY, citing the active investigation. When did Gehring commence his hiking trip?

Gehring was from Massachusetts, Clallam County Coroner Rebecca Shankles informed USA TODAY on Sept. 17.

He left the Madison Falls Trailhead in Olympic National Park on Aug. 31, the park service remarked in the news release.

According to his backcountry permit, Neil wanted to travel from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass. He was supposed to return to the Madison Falls Trailhead on Sept. 1 but didn't.

Meanwhile, an individual documented him overdue at 6: 30 a.m. On Sept. 2, the park service remarked. Authorities declined to confirm the person's identity. Investigation into hiker's death ongoing.

Authorities conducted aerial, ground, drone and dog team searches along his route. They asked that anyone with information email [email protected] or call the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009.

"Olympic National Park is grateful for all the dedicated search and rescue teams that volunteered to assist with this effort, " the park service remarked on Sept. 11.

As of Sept. 17, the investigation is ongoing, the park service remarked.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected]. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around missing hiker found dead in Olympic National Park point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.