Hiker from Washington state died on Appalachian Trail - Richmond Times Dispatch

[WhiteBlaze]

WDBJ7

Hiker from Washington state died on Appalachian Trail Richmond Times Dispatch Members of Bedford County Special Operations Command launch a boat into a creek just off the James River to transport first responders to and from the Appalachian Trail, where a person was found unresponsive Monday morning. Man found dead on Appalachian Trail in Bedford County identifiedWDBJ7 Volunteers wanted to clean Appalachian TrailAsbury Park Press UPDATE: Body Found at Appalachian Trail Hiking Shelter IdentifiedWSET WFIR News Talk Radio all 16 news articles »

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[oldblue]

The hiker found dead was my brother, Rotten Rodney. He and I started hiking the AT in 1982, and since then he has hiked it 4 times. For the last 17 years he spent much of his time in the woods, hiking on trails, including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and trails in Alaska. Or just wandering around looking for interesting places and people. He spent time off and on in Hot Springs NC. I usually hiked with him on the AT during my vacations, doing sections during the spring and fall.
I retired last year, and my intent this year was to hike this spring from Harpers Ferry to Georgia, with Rodney. We had been out 3 weeks, getting into it and enjoying the nice weather and all the new hostels in Virginia. We had heard about the rampant stomach flu, spreading up the trail from northbounders. When Rodney fell ill Monday 4/17 we assumed it was this highly contagious bug, so we stopped at Matts Creek shelter to wait it out. I hitched into Glasgow on Wednesday and brought back ginger ale, bananas, crackers, etc. which Rodney started eating. By Thursday he was eating almost normally, but still feeling lightheaded and slightly nauseous. He started insisting that I not wait any longer, to not mess up my hike, that he would hitch to Troutville over the weekend and meet me there Sunday night. So I left him Friday morning, and asked oncoming nobo's to check in on him, confident that he would make the rendezvous. Instead, he was found unresponsive Monday morning by hikers camping nearby. Cause of death was gastrointestinal bleeding.
I am still in shock from this, since he was hiking well, not complaining, having a great time until he felt sick.

[truthisnature]

So sorry for your loss oldblue. {{{Hugs}}}

[Seatbelt]

Prayers and condolences go out to you and your family.

[biggcarl]

My condolences to you and your family.

[Nick P]

This is tragic, Oldblue, and my thoughts are with you and yours. Thanks for sharing with the WB community.

[Deer Hunter]

Sorry for your loss, oldblue.

[slbirdnerd]

I'm so sorry for your loss, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts.

[Chubbs4U]

Looks like you have been around here for awhile and this was your first post, oldblue. I would like to say, like the rest, how sorry we are for you and your family.

[HikerMom58]

oldblue, thanks for posting on WB. We were all concerned about this news of your brother.

I will add that I'm so sorry for your loss. Will be praying for peace for you and your family.

[Praha4]

very sad to hear, and very sorry for your loss ... I can't imagine what you are feeling right now. Your brother sounded like a great guy. I'm sure all the hiking community feels your loss and offers their condolences and support to you and your family. Hope to meet you on the trail someday. Peace.

[bamboo bob]

It gives all an empty feeling

[QHShowoman]

Oldblue, so sorry for your loss and thank you so much for taking the time to share this info with us. When events like this happen, they're often left open to speculation and your thoughtful post will alleviate that.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

[FarmerChef]

Oldblue, from your description, your brother was a man who enjoyed life and loved the out doors as much as we do, if not most certainly more. Thank you so much for sharing a bit of his story with us. You have my utmost sympathy and sadness for your loss.

[kofritz]

no better way to go than living a dream....my condolences.

[Marta]

Old Blue, I'm so sorry for your loss.

In 2006 I hiked many miles with Snapshot, who told me about an entertaining week he spent hiking with you and your brother. He said that, as the kid of the group, his chore was to gather wood for the evening cooking fire. He enjoyed those evenings very much.

So sorry...

[Pringles]

I'm sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. Pringles

[oldblue]

Marta, are you still in contact with Snapshot? Very nice young guy back then, a bit lonely as a late sobo. It was a memorable trip for us all, gorgeous fall weather in PA, and given how Rotten corrupted Snapshot with vodka, we temporarily re-christened him "Pukeboot." That's how rotten Rodney could be. But we certainly enjoyed Snapshot's company, and the eggs, bacon and beer he surprised us with late one day.

Old Blue, I'm so sorry for your loss.

In 2006 I hiked many miles with Snapshot, who told me about an entertaining week he spent hiking with you and your brother. He said that, as the kid of the group, his chore was to gather wood for the evening cooking fire. He enjoyed those evenings very much.

So sorry...

[rustmd]

very sorry for the loss of your brother, your hiking partner. . .peace

.com

[illabelle]

OldBlue, thank you for telling us about your brother. May he rest in peace.