Overview

• Russell Hardy, 55, was reported missing on June 13 after failing to return from a Pikes Peak hike that began on June 11.
• A hiker discovered a body matching Hardy’s description near the summit on June 16, prompting an official recovery effort.
• On June 18, a helicopter mission coordinated by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Army Reserve extracted the remains from difficult terrain.
• More than 100 volunteers from the El Paso and Teller County sheriff’s offices, the U.S. Forest Service and the Colorado Search and Rescue Association joined the search.
• The El Paso County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death, and deputies reported no indication of foul play.