NEWCOMB, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed on Saturday that the remains of missing 22-year-old Canadian hiker Leo DuFour were found off the Mt. Allen Mountain trail in Essex County. DuFour was first reported missing in December 2024.

DEC Forest Rangers, New York State Police and a DEC investigator were reportedly deployed to the mountain Saturday morning following a report of remains found by a hiking party. According to State Police, DuFour’s remains were removed to Albany for an autopsy that will be performed this week — a specific date has not yet been determined.

Equipment and other items belonging to the 22-year-old hiker were also reportedly located with the remains. DuFour’s family has been notified of the recovery, State Police told NEWS10.

In a press release, the DEC offered this statement: “The DEC family offers our deepest condolences to the DuFour family for their loss and extends our appreciation to our dedicated Forest Rangers for their tireless efforts during the continuous and active search effort over the last few months.”

DuFour was last seen on November 30, 2024 after embarking on a hike at Allen Mountain. After state troopers found his car covered with snow at the nearby Mount Adams trailhead, 59 forest rangers began a multi-day search of nearly 400 miles of rugged terrain in harsh weather conditions. After more than eight days of active searching, officials said the operation was transitioned to a recovery mission.

Authorities were forced to pause search efforts in December due to extreme winter conditions on the mountain, including whiteouts and sub-zero temperatures. Searches continued in the spring as snow began to melt in the Adirondacks, DEC said.

Stay with NEWS10 for more information as it becomes available.

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