Interlude: The Adirondack Daily - The Man of Wind and Moss

by Hannah Wizker

WARRENSBURG—In the early morning of August 15th, local authorities recovered missing hiker Dean McMurphy just outside Greenland’s Grocery Store on Kenner’s Pass. McMurphy, who was reported missing on July 8th, is one of many in a growing trend of lost hikers plaguing the Adirondack area. Surrounding McMurphy’s disappearance are four other deaths: Brooklynites and friends of McMurphy, Doll Doerr, 30, and Keith Kennesaw, 29; as well Little Falls residents and licensed game hunters Aaron McCormick, 43, and Stu Lander, 40. Leading the search was Warrensburg native, Ranger Elizabeth Hartke.

“I don’t want to say the word miracle,” Hartke said to the press, “but, frankly, we’re surprised he’s in the good condition that he’s in.”

When asked if McMurphy was the lead suspect in the deaths of the others, Hartke declined to comment, though stated that McMurphy will be questioned following protocol.

When asked how he was feeling, McMurphy simply expressed his desire to go home and see his girlfriend.