Body of missing hiker found in Pine Valley Mountains


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PINE VALLEY, Washington County — The body of a 19-year-old hiker who had been reported missing in the Pine Valley Mountains was recovered Monday, officials said.

Benjamin Needham had been hiking alone Thursday but planned to rendezvous with family members Sunday afternoon, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. When the man didn't show up, family members contacted the sheriff's office.

Needham's body was spotted roughly 40 feet down a ravine about 5:15 p.m. by U.S. Forest Service rangers on horseback, according to the sheriff's office. The man was already deceased when reached by first responders.

Needham had been prepared with food for three or four days, as well as a means to purify water, according to the sheriff's office.

A Color Country Interagency Fire Center helicopter already in the area was able to assist first responders in bringing Needham's body off the mountain.

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