State Department of Environmental Conservation Spokesman Dave Winchell just sent out on update on Alex Stevens, a New Jersey man who went missing after a camping trip Wallface Mountain in the High Peaks Wilderness. Stevens is believed to have started his trip from the Upper Works trailhead in Newcomb on September 2. He was reported missing on September 10. Here’s the press release from Winchell:
The ongoing search for Alex Stevens ended on Wednesday without locating the subject or additional signs of his presence. By the end of the day Wednesday, an estimated 300 Forest Ranger hours and 60 volunteer hours have been expended over three days of search efforts. During that period searchers covered 209 miles total while searching trails, drainages, and other areas of rugged terrain. K9 units conducted searches over 11 miles.
The search continues today (Thursday, Sept. 14) with 26 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers searching the area north and northeast of Wallface Mountain.
Logistical support is being provided by New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Adirondack Amateur Radio Association, Newcomb Fire Department, the town of Newcomb, and Newcomb Central School
State Police Investigators and Hopewell Township (NJ) Police Department continue their investigation.
Alex Stevens is a 28-year-old, 5 foot 11 inch, 220-pound, white male with blue eyes and brown hair. He was last seen on September 2nd near the base of Wallface Mountain wearing sandals, shorts, and a dark blue t-shirt. He may be carrying a green-colored, light backpack. He wears glasses and has longer hair that he typically wears in a “bun”.
DEC is asking anyone who may have seen Mr. Stevens or has information about his whereabouts to contact the New York State Police at 518-897-2000.
Strangely the figures above (for hours expanded) seem rather low and don’t match what ADE reports..
quote from ADE article:
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday combined, “an estimated 900 Forest Ranger hours and 248 volunteer hours have been expended over three days of search efforts,” Dave Winchell, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Conservation in Ray Brook, wrote in an email. “During that period searchers covered 209 miles total while searching trails, drainages, and other areas of rugged terrain. K9 units conducted searches over 11 miles.”