Westport Man Found Dead After New York Hiking Trip

WESTPORT, CT — A Westport man was found dead Friday morning after a hiking trip in New York's Adirondack High Peaks, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The body of Thomas A. Howard, 61, of Westport, was found around 10:30 a.m., North Country Public Radio reported. It's unclear where his body was recovered.

Howard went hiking on Mt. Colden in North Elba, New York, on March 11. He was due to return on March 13. Howard was reported missing on Wednesday after he didn't return from his trip, New York state police said.

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Howard signed into a trail registry at the Adirondack Loj on March 11, North Country Public Radio reported. He planned to reach Mount Colden via the Trap Dike, a steep rock slide that requires technical ice climbing skills and gear to ascend during winter.

Howard's hike also coincided with a massive winter storm that passed through the region that weekend, burying the High Peaks in nearly 15 inches of new snow.

"The Howard family wishes to express their gratitude to the community and the searchers for their support," North Country Public Radio reported, citing a statement released by state officials. "The family asks for privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved one."