Press-Republican

Local News

November 20, 2008

Police: Missing hiker died of natural causes

INDIAN LAKE — State Police said a California man who went missing while hiking in the Adirondacks last month died of natural causes.

A hunter found Fred Gillingham's body in the remote wilderness near Rock River earlier this week, and an autopsy Wednesday confirmed the 72-year-old's identity.

Gillingham was a longtime and well-known seasonal resident of Indian Lake and was reported missing in mid-October after he ventured into the woods for a leisurely hike and never returned.

State Police said dental records confirmed his remains Wednesday.

His autopsy, which was performed at Albany Medical Center by Dr. Michael Sikirika, determined that the avid hiker died of cardiac arrhythmia due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and focal myocardial scarring.

His death was subsequently ruled as being of natural causes.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News

Recent Article Comments
Albany Round-up
Photo of the Day
Strange News
Videos: Editor Picks
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior Md. 911 Dispatcher Caught Sleeping on Job Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine Iowa Man With Zebra, Parrot in Truck Gets DUI Egyptians Pick New President in Free Election Giant Bull Head Draws Drivers to South Dakota Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide Cuba Waiting for Cyber Age to Come 8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff