View Full Version : Hiker's body ID'd near Mt. Pleasant in VA
http://www2.newsadvance.com/news/2011/aug/19/fbi-ids-hiker-found-dead-amherst-county-calls-deat-ar-1249383/
The FBI (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/organization/tags/federal-bureau-of-investigation/) has identified the body found near the Appalachian Trail (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/facility/tags/appalachian-trail/) in Amherst County last week as a South Bend, Ind. (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/provinceorstate/tags/indiana/) man.
According to an FBI (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/organization/tags/federal-bureau-of-investigation/) press release, Scott Lilly (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/person/tags/scott-lilly/), known by the trail name “Stonewall,” had been hiking the trail. His death is considered suspicious. Authorities have stressed, though, that they have no information that other hikers are being targeted.
They are asking for anyone who had been in contact with Lilly (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/person/tags/scott-lilly/) recently or had seen him (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/person/tags/scott-lilly/), to call Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900 or the FBI (http://www2.newsadvance.com/topics/types/organization/tags/federal-bureau-of-investigation/) at (800) 225-5324, option No. 4.
The body was found by hikers a short distance from the trail last Friday afternoon in the Mount Pleasant area. Investigators are not releasing any other information at this time.
-- The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va.
Rain Man
08-19-2011, 13:03
Very sad.
:(
Sir-Packs-Alot
08-19-2011, 14:31
Damn ...
Everybody please spread the word so that the AT community can help the authorities figure this out.
Although it's rare - it always hurts my heart when the "Eden" of the AT gets smacked in the head by the violence of men in the real world. My condolences to "Stonewall's" friends, loved ones and the 2011 Thru-hiking community that knew him.
Five Bears
08-19-2011, 14:46
Looking for help with this story from anyone who was in the area in the last two months. Please drop me a line.
Thx,
Chris Dumond
The News & Advance
The full FBI statement follows (and is attached, with a photo) with phone numbers to call if you have information. ATC and the Appalachian Trail Park Office (National Park Service) are helping in any way we can.
Laurie Potteiger
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Richmond Division
1970 East Parham Road
Richmond, Virginia 23228
________________________________________
Public Relations Office, (804) 627-4482
August 19, 2011
Media Coordinator: Dee Rybiski
PRESS RELEASE
IDENTIFICATION OF BODY LOCATED IN GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST
On August 12, 2011, hikers reported the discovery of a deceased individual located near a hiking trail in close proximity to the Appalachian Trail, in the Northwest part of Amherst County, Virginia. Investigators from the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the United States Forest Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and the body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Virginia Department of Health.
Subsequent investigation identified the victim as Mr. Scott Lilly of South Bend, Indiana, known by the trail name “Stonewall.” It appears Mr. Lilly was hiking the Appalachian Trail and the circumstances of his death are suspicious.
While this multi-agency investigation is ongoing, and the release of information may be limited, it is important for the public to be aware that no information has been developed by these agencies that would lead the investigators to believe other hikers would be targeted. However, hikers are encouraged to continue exercising the usual precautions while on any trail.
Mr. Lilly’s name and photo are being provided with the request that anyone who may have seen or had contact with him recently, call either the Central Virginia Crime Stoppers (1-888-798-5900) or the FBI (1-800 CALL FBI option #4 -1-800-225-5324 option #4) and relay any information that may be pertinent to this investigation.
Mr. Scott Lilly
Trail Name: “Stonewall”
To relay pertinent information, please call either the
FBI @ 1-800 CALL FBI option #4
(1-800-225-5324 option #4)
or
the Central Virginia Crime Stoppers @ 1-888-798-5900
###
Blissful
08-19-2011, 15:12
Hope this is solved soon.
I am very sad for the family and friends.
I have to assume that the ATC has already pointed the authorities to Trail Journals and other online resources. But who knows?
With a quick google I found two dated references to a 2011 SOBO/Section hiker with the Trail name "Stonewall". He was described as a Civil War buff in both cases. Perhaps its the same individual, or perhaps not.
Here is one: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?ID=353349
And here is the other: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?ID=352484
Update, includes info about last contact with family, etc. http://www2.newsadvance.com/news/2011/aug/19/9/fbi-ids-hiker-found-dead-amherst-county-calls-deat-ar-1249383/
Update, includes info about last contact with family, etc. http://www2.newsadvance.com/news/2011/aug/19/9/fbi-ids-hiker-found-dead-amherst-county-calls-deat-ar-1249383/
Thanks for the update.
I understand why individuals writing reports on such serious matters need to choose thier words carefully, using phrases such as "the circumstances of his death are suspicious", but when they go on to say: "no information has been developed by these agencies that would lead the investigators to believe other hikers would be targeted" they speak volumes (underliining is mine).
To my way of thinking, officials should not feel compelled to put the public at ease in these situations. Rather they should work to get the public that walks the area the raw info just as soon as it is available. Telling hikers they should use usual precautions? Whats up with that?
Thank you to the reporter for working on the story.
This is not so very far from the area where Nature Boy Hiking had trouble, no? Just wondering aloud.
speedbump
08-19-2011, 22:34
There was another hiker found dead in Maine just about a week ago. The cause of death has now been "undetermined ". It was thought that he fell and hit his head, but now the autopsy may not support that..................... 2 hikers dead in a few weeks ? Please , PLEASE don t let these be related !
The report was that Nature Boy Hiking was assaulted on the AT approximately two miles south of Waynesboro, Va. He was dragged out of his tent in the middle of the night and beaten. That was at the end of May.
ChinMusic
08-19-2011, 22:40
Has anything been mentioned about his gear?
Trailweaver
08-20-2011, 01:30
What an awful thing for this young man's family to have to deal with. A death is so unexpected in these circumstances, and has to be so painful to bear. It is also difficult to have to deal with the legal logistics from a distance of many miles. Hope the hiker community and the possible clues from the logbooks can help solve this crime.
bosborne
08-22-2011, 09:20
Mt. Pleasant is about an hour's drive from Waynesboro, VA.
http://www2.newsadvance.com/news/2011/aug/22/2nd-body-found-in-geo-wash-national-forest-ar-1254105/
Skidsteer
08-22-2011, 09:59
Uh-Oh.....
ChinMusic
08-22-2011, 10:41
Uh-Oh.....
No ****
I wouldn't want to be hiking solo right now anywhere near this area til this gets sorted out.
Looks bad.
SawnieRobertson
08-22-2011, 10:50
Read all on the links about the second body before becoming too disturbed.
Breathing again,
Kinnickinnic
Doc Mike
08-22-2011, 10:58
I'm hiking that area next week. I'm not scared but am prepared.
Creek Dancer
08-22-2011, 11:01
I only see one link posted here about the second body.
Very sad for the families and friends who lost these folks.
Hiking for vets
08-22-2011, 11:03
For a first time hiker on the AT, this is very concerning. The thought of hiking alone has suddenly lost its luster.
Rocket Jones
08-22-2011, 11:09
Ok, about the second body: According to one commenter on the news site, hunters had alerted authorities that a man living out of an RV hadn't been seen for several days or weeks. They found the man in his RV, and believe his death to be from natural causes. The report was very alarmist and short on details.
yeah that second guy was found in an RV, he'd been living out there it seems. He wasn't a hiker at all.
ChinMusic
08-22-2011, 11:13
Ok, about the second body: According to one commenter on the news site, hunters had alerted authorities that a man living out of an RV hadn't been seen for several days or weeks. They found the man in his RV, and believe his death to be from natural causes. The report was very alarmist and short on details.
That certainly changes things. Just a sad coincidence it seems.
Still, the hairs on my necks are raised. Too many questions right now regarding the first body. I still haven't read details regarding the location of his gear, whether a pack was on his back, etc.
Tuckahoe
08-22-2011, 11:14
For a first time hiker on the AT, this is very concerning. The thought of hiking alone has suddenly lost its luster.
I for one think that there are too many on WB that are willing to put their heads in the sand regarding crimes on the trail and pretend that it doesnt happen. Regardless, the reality is that the trail is rather safe and I think it is a bit unreasonable to allow news of incidents such as this create an unreasonable fear of hitting the trail. Its especially silly considering the real risks taken regularly simply going about one's daily schedule.
MyName1sMud
08-22-2011, 11:16
For a first time hiker on the AT, this is very concerning. The thought of hiking alone has suddenly lost its luster.
Don't let it scare you off from hiking alone. Just remember to always be prepared and carry a BIG stick.
Sorry for the loved ones of the hikers.
I for one think that there are too many on WB that are willing to put their heads in the sand regarding crimes on the trail and pretend that it doesnt happen.
I'd say most, if not all, are well aware of crime and misfortune along the AT. Many understand the chances of it happening to them are slim and don't let it affect their hike.
4dogHiker
08-22-2011, 12:10
Apparently, Stonewall was from near my hometown, and my sister-in-law went to school with him. His folks live near her parents. This all very troubling, and I have goosebumps while typing this.
Prayers and love to the families of these individuals.
Ladytrekker
08-22-2011, 12:13
I hope there is not a serial killer loose in the area this so sucks it really certifies to families for their kin to not hike alone I can tell you I am questioning wanting to hike it alone right now. Any really sad for the families.
Update: Second body found in camper, AP story doesn't mention AT. Pitt Spring appears to be near Luray.
http://www2.newsadvance.com/news/2011/aug/22/2nd-body-found-in-geo-wash-national-forest-ar-1254105/
ChinMusic
08-22-2011, 12:26
Re hiking alone: We just don't know the details of Stonewall's death. It may turn out to have an explanation that doesn't include nefarious conduct. This second death appears to be a "false alarm" with regards to trail safety. The first reports, unfortunately, made it sound like there was a link between the two cases. That appears to not be the case.
WingedMonkey
08-22-2011, 13:11
It would seem to me that a statistical review of known murders and attempted murders on the AT would show that hiking alone has no disadvantage over not hiking alone.
ChinMusic
08-22-2011, 14:57
It would seem to me that a statistical review of known murders and attempted murders on the AT would show that hiking alone has no disadvantage over not hiking alone.
You can throw the statistics out if it became known another Hilton was operating in the area.
FTR, that is NOT the case so far.
WingedMonkey
08-22-2011, 15:10
You can throw the statistics out if it became known another Hilton was operating in the area.
FTR, that is NOT the case so far.
Correct that is not the case here, but in Hilton's known murders (not actually on the trail) he killed two single hikers and one couple. So traveling as a couple did not matter.
I'm gimpy
08-22-2011, 17:53
I like hiking alone. You may not actually be safer with someone, but it sure makes you feel safer.
Re hiking alone: We just don't know the details of Stonewall's death. It may turn out to have an explanation that doesn't include nefarious conduct.
You are right, of course.
I wish that the FBI would share more detail, especially why they are confident telling the public that simply " exercising the usual precautions" as they would on any trail is in order.
That seems odd.
But so too, it seemed odd to me that it took a full week after Stonewall's body was found before the FBI could share that "the circumstances were suspicious".
I hope there is a good reason why the FBI seems to be telling people not to be concerned.
Sierra Echo
08-22-2011, 21:45
I camped out on Springer Mtn last Thursday night. I was alone up there except for some freaky dude in the shelter. All the guy wanted to talk about was Gary Hilton. I didn't let it freak me out, but I did sleep turned around in my tent. If he had tried to open the tent flap in the middle of the night I was gonna kick his head off with my big hiker chick legs!
I guess what I'm trying to say is this. Don't let fear rule your life, but always be prepared for the possible.
This guy's speculation is way off the mark, IMO, but speaks to why the FBI should be as forthcoming as possible with new information, I think.
http://www.examiner.com/appalachian-trail-hiking-in-national/driest-season-on-record-cause-of-hiker-s-death
I'm gimpy
08-23-2011, 20:29
[QUOTE=rickb;1192493]This guy's speculation is way off the mark, IMO, but speaks to why the FBI should be as forthcoming as possible with new information, I think.
i agree. You don't make it as far as he did not knowing what your doing. Still could be natural causes though.
WingedMonkey
08-23-2011, 20:38
This guy's speculation is way off the mark, IMO, but speaks to why the FBI should be as forthcoming as possible with new information, I think.
http://www.examiner.com/appalachian-trail-hiking-in-national/driest-season-on-record-cause-of-hiker-s-death
Keep in mind that the site linked is a blog site and not a news site.
Ladytrekker
08-23-2011, 22:18
This has really creeped me out. I work at a Medical Examiner's Office and I see the worst the world has to offer and so much violence and what people will do to others. I use hiking as my bring me back down to earth kind of my meditation for my soul and now I just keep hearing about violence and death in the one place I get my solace from really upset right now. I was planning on doing more solo hiking and right now I just am not feeling it. I don't want crap going on in my comfort place.........:mad:
He was at Bear Fence Hut in SNP the night of July 20th. His feet were killing him because the inner soles were gone from his boots..said he was going to take a zero day before continuing SB. (He was a Civil War buff). I called the Virginia Crime stopper number. They took very little information from and told me to call back during business hours...didn't even want my name or number.
He was at Bear Fence Hut in SNP the night of July 20th. His feet were killing him because the inner soles were gone from his boots..said he was going to take a zero day before continuing SB. (He was a Civil War buff). I called the Virginia Crime stopper number. They took very little information from and told me to call back during business hours...didn't even want my name or number.
Shelb, you did right by calling-- the response you got not withstanding, I hope you will phone them or the FBI number back.
Do you know if Stonewall was a thru hiker?
Pedaling Fool
08-24-2011, 08:29
This guy's speculation is way off the mark, IMO, but speaks to why the FBI should be as forthcoming as possible with new information, I think.
http://www.examiner.com/appalachian-trail-hiking-in-national/driest-season-on-record-cause-of-hiker-s-death
This idiot (blogger) has an agenda.
Blissful
08-24-2011, 08:39
Not sure how the blogger can say its been the driest season on record - we had a really bad drought several years back, mainly 2005 where the reservoirs dried up and we had to go on water restrictions. No such drought this year, though it has been dry. Needs to substantiate that kind of claim. There are water sources along that stretch - July is not typically a time where they are all dried up - the fall is and I still was able to find water in the fall, albeit a trickle.