DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE, Alaska — A hiker has been found dead in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, and authorities believe he fell and suffered a fatal head injury.
The National Park Service says a ground team found the body of Michael Purdy, 24, of Portland, Oregon, on Sunday near the north end of the Savage River Loop Trail.
The agency says in a release that clues indicate Purdy diverted from the riverside trail to explore higher terrain, and he fell and struck his head. Authorities believe the accident happened Tuesday based on Purdy’s cellphone activity and sightings of his vehicle.
Crews began looking for him Saturday evening after his employer notified park rangers he had missed work Friday and Saturday.
The Park Service says Purdy’s remains will be recovered by the park helicopter, then transferred to the state medical examiner.
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