Wardens Find Body Of Missing Hiker Near Rangeley

Wardens found the body of a hiker from Massachusetts, who was reported missing by his family on Saturday.

Officials say the body of 63-year-old Jeffrey Aylward of Plymouth, Massachusetts was found just before 10:00 Monday morning in Township D, near Rangeley. When Game Wardens learned of his disappearance, they hiked into lean-to and sign-in stations along the Appalachian Trail in that region, to distribute information to anyone who may have seen Aylward. Hikers in the area reported seeing a lone tent and wardens went to investigate.

He was located inside his tent, about 50 yards off the Appalachian Trail, within sight of the trail. Officials say he was about 2/10ths of a mile west of Route 17, near the popular destination known as the Height of Land. Wardens say Aylward had a history of recent health issues and there's no reason to believe his death was suspicious.

Aylward began his hike on July 1st in Pinkham Notch, near Maine's border with New Hampshire, with Mt. Katahdin as his destination. His trail name was 'Dusty Pilgrim,' for those who might have encountered him along the way. Family members notified authorities on Saturday, saying that they had not heard from him since a text he sent on the afternoon of July 23rd. His family had been bringing him fresh supplies every eight days or so. When he stopped contacting them, they became concerned and contacted the warden service.

The State Medical Examiner's Office will determine cause of death.