In a tragic turn of events, the lifeless body of missing Colorado hiker Rich Moore, 71, was discovered on a rugged peak in the Rocky Mountains more than two months after he initially went missing on August 19. Despite extensive search efforts, Moore’s whereabouts remained unknown until a hunter stumbled upon his remains on October 30, over two miles east of the mountain’s summit.
What makes the story particularly poignant is the unwavering loyalty of Moore’s Jack Russell terrier, Finny, who miraculously survived the ordeal and stayed by his owner’s side throughout the harrowing experience. Social media users expressed condolences for Moore’s family and praised Finny’s remarkable loyalty, emphasizing the unique bond between humans and their canine companions.
Chaffee County Search and Rescue North disclosed that Moore, ill-prepared for the challenging conditions, reached the summit of a 13,000-foot peak wearing only a cotton hooded sweatshirt, with no remaining provisions. Despite extensive search efforts involving over 2,000 hours, the circumstances of Moore’s disappearance remained a mystery until the recent discovery.
The terrain where Moore was found was so steep that specialized efforts, including the deployment of a certified K9, were required for the rescue. Investigators, ruling out foul play, have yet to determine the cause of Moore’s death. His remains were successfully brought off the mountain on Halloween.
Remarkably, Finny, the loyal Jack Russell terrier, survived in the wilderness, relying on instinctual hunting skills to sustain himself. The dog was taken to the vet for assessment and later reunited with Moore’s family. The Taos Search and Rescue team expressed their condolences to the family, noting the closure gained and the return of their faithful canine companion. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the unique and unconditional bond shared between humans and their beloved pets.
A faithful Jack Russell was found keeping vigil near body of hiker missing for 10 weeks.
Colorado hiker Rich Moore, 71, went missing in August, when he went to climb Blackhead Peak in the San Juan Mountains east of Pagosa Springs.https://t.co/NulI0OWmpc
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) November 15, 2023
