Search for Quebec hiker missing in Adirondacks now likely a recovery mission

MONTREAL: So, here’s the scoop. A 22-year-old hiker from Quebec named Leo Dufour went missing in the Adirondacks over a week ago. Sadly, the search has now turned into a recovery mission.

The New York State Forest Rangers have been on the case, but the weather has really thrown a wrench in things. With heavy snow and freezing temperatures, they say searching is nearly impossible right now.

Leo set out to hike Allen Mountain on November 29 but didn’t come back as planned the next day. Since he went missing, it’s been snowing every single day, and temperatures have plummeted to below minus 30 degrees Celsius.

About 60 rangers have been scouring the area, but the last clue they found was just a water bottle near the summit, where the snow is now over a meter deep. They’re hoping to continue the search when the weather permits, but getting rescuers into the area is tough right now.

This is such a heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts are with Leo’s family and friends during this difficult time.