The search for a missing man in Acadia National Park has been suspended until weather conditions improve. Officials say they no longer believe the man is alive.

Rangers first began looking for Timothy Philpott on Thursday after noticing that his vehicle had been parked in the Parkman Mountain area since Tuesday. When a cursory search turned up no evidence, it was expanded to include a larger area. Search dogs were also brought in, but to no avail. WABI-TV reports the last time Philpott was heard from was a cellphone call he made from on top of Sergeant Mountain Tuesday afternoon.

The National Park Service suspended the search on Saturday due to the snowfall, which they said created unsafe conditions for searchers. Officials say based on an investigation of the circumstances and results of the search, the NPS and Warden Service will resume operations as a recovery effort when conditions allow.

Acting superintendent of Acadia National Park thanked all those involved in the search. Mike Madell said, 'The park and community are very fortunate to have volunteers who are willing to donate their time and skills under such demanding conditions.'

Taking part in the search were the Maine Warden Service, the NPS, and Maine Forest Service. In addition, more than 25 volunteers from the Maine Association for Search and Rescue and Mount Desert Island Search and Rescue. Dog teams assisted in the search, and aerial reconnaissance was conducted by helicopter and plane on Friday.

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