Neil Gehring, a 26-year-old hiker from Massachusetts, was found dead in Olympic National Park after an extensive search that lasted nearly two weeks.
Gehring left the Madison Falls Trailhead on August 31, 2026, for a planned overnight backcountry trip. According to his National Park Service permit, he intended to make a cross-country traverse from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass before returning to the trailhead on September 1. He was reported overdue at about 6:30 a.m. on September 2.
Search teams conducted ground and aerial operations along his expected route, using aircraft, drones and search dogs. After about 10 days, investigators shifted their focus toward obtaining new information that could narrow the search area.
On September 13, searchers located Gehring on the northwest slope of Mount Appleton after receiving and analyzing additional cellphone location data. His remains were transferred to the Clallam County Coroner’s Office at approximately 8 p.m. that evening, according to the National Park Service.
USA TODAY reported that the Clallam County Coroner confirmed Gehring died from extensive blunt trauma involving his head, torso and limbs. The circumstances surrounding the injuries remain under investigation.
The National Park Service has released no additional details while the investigation continues. Officials have expressed appreciation to the search-and-rescue personnel and volunteers who assisted in the effort.