Search teams have found the body of a missing Oklahoma man who had been missing from his campsite outside of Lake City since Friday.
Searchers found the body around 10:30 a.m., Monday at an altitude of 11,500 feet, according to the Hinsdale County Sheriff’s office. Searchers said it appeared the man died of natural causes.
The man, who was identified as Harold Byerly, was known to area residents because he had been camping in the area for a number of years. Authorities said the man was camping alone but was experienced and well-prepared for the rigors of hiking in the rugged country.
He was reported missing Friday evening by a passerby who noticed he had not returned to his campsite.
Some 35 searchers from around the state joined in the search, including a helicopter from the Colorado Air National Guard.
The search area was southwest of Lake City, near Engineer Pass, in sub-alpine terrain between 10,500 feet and 13,000 feet, said a spokesman for the Western State Mountain Rescue team.
Staff writer Mike McPhee can be reached at 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com.
