State Investigate a missing hiker in the town of Schroon

Press Release

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On February 24, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the New York State Police were notified of a missing hiker on the Crane Pond Trail in the town of Schroon.

An investigation determined that Theodore S. Troth, age 51, of The Villages, FL, began renting a cabin at Rowe’s Adirondack Cabins, located on State Route 9 in the town of Schroon, on January 25, 2026.

On February 19, 2026, Troth was last seen leaving the cabin to go hiking on the Crane Pond Trail.

On February 24, 2026, the cabin owner became concerned when Troth failed to check out as scheduled. After going to the cabin and discovering Troth was not present, the owner notified authorities.

A coordinated search effort was established involving the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Forest Rangers, and State Police. State Police deployed K-9 and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) units, while Forest Rangers utilized snowmobiles to assist in covering the terrain.

At approximately 6:24 p.m. on February 24, 2026, Forest Rangers located Troth at the south end of Oxshoe Pond, accessible from the Crane Pond Trailhead. Troth was found deceased, and the scene showed no signs of foul play.

The Essex County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and requested the removal of the body. Troth was transported to Glens Falls Hospital for an autopsy. The date and time of the autopsy are to be determined.

This investigation remains ongoing.