CARROLL, N.H. — Officials are seeking help from the public in locating a Massachusetts man who is believed to be missing.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD) was notified late Sunday afternoon about a possible missing person whose vehicle was found parked in Carroll.
The department said the vehicle was discovered at the Crawford Path parking lot.
An investigation led by the U.S. Forest Service revealed the owner of the vehicle, identified as 65-year-old William Neal Donovan of Cambridge, Massachusetts, had reportedly not been seen for about two weeks, the NHFGD said Tuesday in a release.
"It was discovered that Donovan appears to be an avid hiker, but a search of his vehicle revealed several pieces of hiking gear that would have been beneficial if he was planning a hike in the White Mountains," the release stated. "It is assumed that he went for a hike, but this has not yet been confirmed."
Officials said this information led conservation officers and a volunteer drone team to search in and around the Crawford Path Trailhead, as well as near drainages and trails including Crawford Pth, Edmands Path, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Pierce, and the ridgeline that connects them.
"No evidence of or clues to Donovan’s whereabouts were located," the release said. "There is still several feet of deep snow in the higher elevations, which hampered search efforts.".
Upon further investigation, officials determined Donovan likely arrived April 16, however, his intentions and plans following that are still unknown.
The Cambridge Police Department reportedly conducted a welfare check at Donovan's home and located a handwritten note indicating his desire to potentially hike Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Adams, the NHFGD said.
"At this time there is little information regarding Donovan’s history, capabilities, gear, or intention," the release stated. "Donovan lives alone and did not leave an itinerary. Because he has been unaccounted for 2 weeks, all immediate search activities have been suspended until further leads indicate where he might have traveled."
Officials are asking members of the hiking community who may know Donovan or have any information regarding his whereabouts to contact New Hampshire State Police Troop F at 603 846-3333 or email Lt. Mark Ober at mark.w.oberjr@wildlife.nh.gov.
