Essex County, NY — In a somber close to a months-long search that gripped both the local community and international followers, authorities have confirmed the discovery of the remains of Canadian hiker Leo DuFour, who vanished in the Adirondack Mountains in December 2024. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the heartbreaking development on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
DuFour, a 34-year-old outdoor enthusiast from Ottawa, had set off on what was intended to be a solo winter trek through the High Peaks Wilderness region. His intended route included a climb up Mount Allen, one of the more remote and rugged peaks in the Adirondack High Peaks. When he failed to check in as planned and did not return home, his family reported him missing, prompting a massive search operation involving forest rangers, search-and-rescue teams, canine units, and volunteers from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.
The DEC reported that DuFour’s remains were found several hundred feet off the Mount Allen Mountain trail in Essex County — an area notorious for its dense forests, deep snowpacks in winter, and limited cell service. According to DEC spokesperson Rachel Whitmore, a team of rangers conducting a routine sweep of the less accessible regions of the trail made the discovery late Friday afternoon. By early Saturday morning, a forensic team had confirmed the identity of the remains.
“This is not the outcome anyone hoped for,” Whitmore said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to Leo DuFour’s family, who have shown incredible strength throughout this ordeal. We are grateful to all who participated in the search efforts over the past five months.”
The extensive operation to find DuFour faced numerous challenges, particularly harsh winter weather conditions. Snowfall, subzero temperatures, and frequent storms complicated ground and aerial search efforts. Despite these difficulties, the DEC and partnering agencies persisted with regular sweeps, hopeful that DuFour may have taken shelter or left signs of his location.
His family remained vocal and engaged throughout the search, making numerous trips to the Adirondack region and maintaining communication with authorities. DuFour’s sister, Emilie DuFour, had previously described her brother as “an experienced hiker, deeply respectful of nature, and always meticulous in planning.” She expressed both sorrow and gratitude in a statement issued Saturday: “Though this is not the ending we prayed for, we are thankful to have found Leo and to finally bring him home. We thank the search teams, volunteers, and everyone who supported us through the hardest months of our lives.”
Authorities have not released an official cause of death pending the results of a medical examiner’s report, but initial assessments suggest DuFour may have succumbed to exposure or sustained a fatal injury while navigating the steep, icy terrain. Investigators found no indication of foul play.
DuFour’s disappearance stirred a strong emotional response across hiking communities in both Canada and the U.S. Online forums and social media pages dedicated to backcountry trekking were flooded with posts offering support and sharing updates. Many hikers in the Adirondacks left markers or notes of encouragement along the trails during the height of the search effort.
The DEC has since renewed calls for hikers to take extra precautions when exploring the Adirondack backcountry, especially during the winter months. They urge adventurers to carry GPS devices, leave detailed itineraries with loved ones, and travel in pairs whenever possible.
A memorial service for Leo DuFour is being planned by his family in Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, they have requested donations to local search-and-rescue organizations or wilderness safety programs in Leo’s name.
The discovery brings a difficult chapter to a close — one that underscores both the unforgiving nature of wilderness exploration and the enduring strength of hope, family, and community.