For Release: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Body of Hiker Discovered in Indian Lake Area
The remains of a body, discovered by a hunter near Rock River in the Town of Indian Lake, has been tentatively identified as that of a California man missing since Columbus Day weekend.
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers and New York State Police (NYSP) Investigator believe they have recovered the remains of Fred Gillingham of Camarillo, CA.
A hunter reported finding the remains of a person late Monday afternoon in an area north of the Rock River. This morning, DEC forest rangers and a NYSP investigator hiked in to the remote location and are currently trying to remove his body on foot and by boat. They have been hampered by snowy weather which has prevented the use of State Police helicopters.
Mr. Gillingham's family has been informed of the discovery.
Once the body is brought out of the woods, State Police will confirm the identification and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
The 72 year old man, who owns a camp in the Hamilton County Town of Indian Lake, was first reported missing on Wednesday, October 15, by a friend who was checking on him after he had missed a dinner engagement the previous night. State Police located his vehicle at the Rock River trailhead and contacted DEC forest rangers.
While the search effort was underway, the investigative unit determined that Mr. Gillingham had actually hiked into the area on Sunday, October 12. After searching for 12 days and expending over 5000 man hours in the search effort, and not finding any clues to the whereabouts of Mr. Gillingham, the search operation had been downgraded to a limited continuous status on Monday, October 27.
"While we are saddened that Mr. Gillingham has been located deceased, we feel satisfied that his family can now have some closure," said Forest Ranger Lt. Steve Preston.
The body was located north of the Rock River outside of the primary search area.
