Updated Sept. 17, 2026, 9:27 p.m. ET
An investigation is underway after a 26-year-old hiker was found dead in a national park in Washington state, authorities said.
Search and rescue teams found Neil Gehring’s body at the northwest slope of Mt. Appleton in Olympic National Park on Sunday, Sept. 13, the National Park Service said in a news release. The discovery came nearly 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 said in the press release. “Gehring was transferred to the Clallam County Coroner’s Office at approximately 8 p.m. on September 13.”
Gehring died of extensive blunt trauma of the head, torso and limbs, the Clallam County Coroner has confirmed.
The park service declined to provide additional information when reached by USA TODAY, citing the active investigation.
When did Gehring begin his hiking trip?
Gehring was from Massachusetts, Clallam County Coroner Rebecca Shankles told USA TODAY on Sept. 17.
He left the Madison Falls Trailhead in Olympic National Park on Aug. 31, the park service said 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.
An individual reported him overdue at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 2, the park service said. Officials 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 OLYM_Tips@cloud.doi.gov 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 said on Sept. 11.
As of Sept. 17, the investigation is ongoing, the park service said.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
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