CARROLL — The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is seeking public assistance in the search for a missing hiker last seen approximately two weeks ago, after his vehicle was discovered Sunday afternoon at the Crawford Path parking lot.
William Neal Donovan, 65, of Cambridge, MA, has been unaccounted for since his car was located by a U.S.
Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer in Carroll.
Despite being an avid hiker, Donovan left behind several pieces of essential hiking gear in his vehicle, raising concerns about his preparedness for the White Mountains’ challenging conditions.
Conservation officers, alongside a volunteer UAV (drone) Team, have scoured the area around Crawford Path Trailhead, Edmands Path, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Pierce, and the connecting ridgelines without finding any sign of Donovan.
The search has been complicated by deep snow in higher elevations.
Investigations indicate Donovan likely arrived on April 16, with a handwritten note found at his residence suggesting he might have planned to hike Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Adams.
However, his specific plans and preparedness remain unclear.
With scant information on Donovan’s intended route or capabilities, and no leads emerging from the initial search, active efforts have been paused.
Due to the expansive and rugged terrain between the Crawford Path parking lot and the summit of Mt.
Adams, the department is reaching out to the hiking community for any information on Donovan’s whereabouts.
Anyone with knowledge about Donovan or potential sightings is urged to contact State Police Troop F at (603) 846-3333.
