Hiker found dead in Smokies trail shelter

Thursday, January 17, 2013

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - A hiker has been found dead in a shelter on the Appalachian Trail.

Rangers found a man, about 50 years old, at the Tricorner Knob Shelter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park early Wednesday afternoon. The rangers were checking after a hiker was reported overdue at Davenport Gap in North Carolina.

A spokeswoman for the park said the name of the hiker was being withheld until his identification was confirmed and family members were notified.

The Swain County, N.C., Medical Examiner's Office is assisting in the investigation. There is no indication of foul play.

A hiker left Newfound Gap on Saturday morning, intending to walk the 30 miles to Davenport Gap. A friend notified the park when he didn't show up.