Missing hiker found dead, his dog found alive near him

A 71-year-old hiker has been found dead months after he went missing, but his faithful dog was found alive near him.

>> Read more trending news

Rich Moore had been reported missing on the evening of Aug. 19, according to KUSA. Ground and air searches were carried out in the Blackhead Peak area for about 2,000 hours in an effort to find him.

Blackhead Peak is about 20 miles from Moore’s home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, The Washington Post reported.

Despite the searches, no one could find Moore or his 14-year-old dog, Finney, USA Today reported.

However, on Oct. 30, a hunter contacted the Archuleta County Sheriff’s office and said that he found a dead man and his white dog in the Lower Blanco drainage basin.

The next day, search crews got to the spot and found Moore, recovered his remains and removed them from the mountain. They also found Finney, Moore’s Jack Russell terrier, alive. The search team rescued the dog, who was later taken to an area veterinarian for an exam and treatment. She has since been reunited with her family, KUSA reported.

Moore was a member of the San Juan Outdoor Club, which said it was “heartbroken over the loss of Rich, but (we) are glad he has been located and overjoyed that Finney has returned home to (her family),” according to The Denver Post.

An autopsy was not performed due to the condition of Moore’s remains, The Washington Post reported. Officials said that they believe Moore died from hypothermia. He was identified by his clothing, backpack and IDs.

“And of course, Finney was still by his side,” Archuleta County Coroner Brad Hunt, told the newspaper.