A tragic ending marked the conclusion of a weeks-long search for a missing hiker in southern Colorado. The body of Rich Moore, a 71-year-old man from Pagosa Springs, was discovered this week, but his family received a glimmer of hope when they were reunited with his dog, who miraculously survived and stood guard over her owner.
The incident unfolded on August 19 when Moore embarked on a hike up Blackhead Peak, a towering mountain reaching 12,500 feet in the southern San Juans. However, he never returned, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation that lasted nearly two months.
Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office revealed in a press release that a hunter stumbled upon Moore’s lifeless body on October 30, seven weeks after he had gone missing. Against all odds, Moore’s loyal companion, a Jack Russell Terrier named Finney, was found alive and faithfully watching over her owner.
Responders from the mountain rescue team were swiftly dispatched to the area the following day. With their assistance, Moore’s remains were successfully retrieved. Finney, the terrier, was then transported to a veterinarian, where she was joyfully reunited with her relieved family.
Although the Blackhead Peak trail is merely six miles roundtrip, it presents a formidable challenge due to its steep and treacherous terrain. Reaching the summit necessitates navigating rocky cliffs, and the day Moore disappeared saw temperatures in the high 80s, potentially adding an additional element of danger. The cause of his death remains a mystery pending autopsy results.
