Missing Hiker's Remains Found In Maine 2 Years After Disappearance

AUGUSTA, Maine (CBS/AP) – The two-year search for a missing hiker in Maine has apparently come to a grim end.

Skeletal remains found in Redington Township on Wednesday are believed to be Geraldine Largay of Brentwood, Tenn.

Largay, 66, was reported missing July 22, 2013 after she was supposed to meet up with her husband but never showed up.

She had been hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

"Positive identification will be determined in the coming weeks by the Medical Examiner's Office, however, due to the location of the remains and evidence gathered at the scene the Maine Warden Service feels confident that Geraldine has now been located," John MacDonald, a spokesman for the Warden Service said Friday.

Game wardens said the remains were found on Wednesday by a contractor who was conducting a forestry survey as part of an environmental impact statement.

In addition to the bones, several pieces of clothing and personal items belonging to Largay were found near the remains.

Investigators do not believe foul play was involved in Largay's death.

Largay, an experienced hiker, had started her hike in April 2013 at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, with a destination of Baxter State Park in Maine.

Her husband, George, had been keeping track of her progress along the trail and was following by car, making predetermined stops to replenish her supplies. He said she was well-prepared for the arduous hike and it had been on her bucket list. She had read books about it and planned meticulously.

The warden service said Largay contacted her husband July 21 from the top of Saddleback Mountain but failed to meet up with him the following day as planned.

About 130 people, some with dogs, horses and ATVs, initially searched for Largay. Authorities focused on a rugged 14-mile section of the trail in the Carrabassett Valley region of western Maine, with thick brush, side paths and steep drops.

"These findings will bring closure to one of Maine's most unique and challenging search and rescue incidents," Maine officials said.

Members of Largay's family did not comment on the discovery, other than to say they were thankful for the efforts of search crews and investigators.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)