The tragic discovery of the body of a Quebec hiker, Leo Dufour, has been confirmed by state authorities in northeastern New York. The 22-year-old's remains were found off the Allen Mountain trail in Essex County, following extensive search efforts that extended over several months.

Authorities from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that a hiking party made the grim discovery of Dufour’s remains on Saturday morning. This marked a crucial moment in a multi-agency search that had been launched after Dufour failed to return from a planned one-day hike on November 30, 2024.

The search for Dufour began in December, around the time his car was located at a trailhead, covered in snow. Due to heavy snowfall, tracking his movements proved challenging for rescue teams. The search efforts included forest rangers, DEC investigators, and New York State Police, who all worked diligently in the harsh winter conditions.

As winter gave way to spring, the search resumed in earnest after the snow receded across the Adirondack backcountry. The efforts were tireless and involved coordination between various agencies determined to locate Dufour and bring closure to his family.

Leo Dufour hailed from Vaudreuil, Quebec, situated just west of Montreal. He had traveled to the United States with the intention of hiking Allen Mountain in the town of Newcomb on November 29, 2024. His absence prompted loved ones and concerned community members to seek help from authorities, leading to the extensive search operations initiated shortly after he was reported missing.

The DEC expressed its condolences to Dufour’s family in light of this heart-wrenching news. They also extended their gratitude to the forest rangers and all other individuals involved in the search, acknowledging the dedication and persistence displayed over these challenging months. Authorities hope that the resolution of this case will help provide some semblance of peace to Dufour's grieving family during this difficult time.