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A hiker who disappeared off the Appalachian trail in 2013 survived for approximately 26 days before dying, according to newly-released documents by the Maine Warden Service.

Lost hiker survived 26 days in the wild before dying


Cheryl Santa Maria
Digital Reporter

Thursday, May 26, 2016, 7:35 PM - A hiker who disappeared off the Appalachian trail in 2013 survived for approximately 26 days before dying, according to newly-released documents by the Maine Warden Service.

Geraldine "Gerry" Largay, 66, vanished July 22, 2013 after venturing off the trail to relieve herself.

She was missing for over two years, with the only clue rescuers had to go on was a photo taken the morning she disappeared (above).

New information about Largay was released Wednesday as part of a public records request. It included notebook entries she wrote to her family during her ordeal.

Sadly, the report also includs information suggesting Largay's remains were found a mere 30-minute walk from an open road and lodging.

Two weeks after going missing Largay wrote an entry asking rescuers to let her husband Lucas and daughter Kerry that her body had been found.


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“It will be the greatest kindness for them to know that I am dead and where you found me – no matter how many years from now. Please find it in your heart to mail the contents of this bag to one of them,” she wrote.

Documents show she tried to text her husband after getting lost, but the message never sent due to poor cell service. She apparently tried to find higher ground and send at least 11 more messages, all of them failing.

An official search began a day after Langay went missing, but heavy rain muddied the trail making it difficult to follow tracks.

Largay was a retired air force nurse and an accomplished hiker, but the report suggested she had a poor sense of direction.


Photo of Geraldine Largay. Courtesy: Maine Warden Service.


Her body and campsite was discovered in October 2015 by Lieutenant Kevin Adam, a foreseter employed by the U.S. Navy.

Adam noted Largay's campsite was difficult to see and likely impossible to spot by aerial search teams, as it was under several large trees.

Her moss-covered notebook was recovered, with the final entry dated August 18 -- 26 days after she went missing.

Her camp was less than 3 km from the Appalachian trail. According to Adams, the dense forest Largay had been living in turned into open woods after 60 to 70 yards. Lodging and an open road was a 30-minute walk away.

A medical examiner ruled Largay died of exposure.

Source: The Associated Press

VIDEO: LOST HUNTER IN AUSTRALIA SURVIVES 6 DAYS IN THE WILD:

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