A 71-year-old Colorado hiker, Rich Moore, and his Jack Russell terrier, Finney, went missing on August 19, 2023, when they attempted to climb a 12,500-foot peak in the San Juan mountains. More than two months later, Moore’s body was found by a hunter in a remote area, with Finney still alive and loyal by his side.
Moore was an experienced hiker and a retired engineer who loved the outdoors. He had a GPS device, a satellite phone, and an emergency beacon, but none of them were activated. The cause of his death is unknown, but no foul play is suspected. He may have died from a fall, a medical issue, or exposure to the elements.
Finney was taken to a vet and then reunited with Moore’s family. He was dehydrated and malnourished, but otherwise in good condition. He had survived the harsh weather and the predators in the wilderness, staying close to his owner until the end.
Moore’s son, David, said that his father and Finney were inseparable. They had been hiking together for years, and Finney was his father’s best friend and hiking buddy. David said that his father was a very loving, caring, generous, adventurous, and curious person, who always wanted to learn new things and explore new places.
David also said that finding his father’s body and Finney alive was a miracle. He said that he was grateful for the closure and the chance to say goodbye to his father. He also praised the search and rescue teams, who had spent more than 2,000 hours looking for his father and Finney.
Relevant articles:
– Body of missing hiker found in Colorado mountains with his dog alive by his side, The Guardian, Nov 13, 2023
– Missing Colorado hiker’s dog found alive, waiting by owner’s body after months in wilderness, USA Today, Nov 13, 2023
– Dog stayed by missing hiker’s body in Colorado national forest for months, MSN, Nov 14, 2023
– Colorado hiker missing since August found dead, his dog found alive next to his body, CBS News, Nov 13, 2023