SCHROON, NY — New York State Police have ruled the death of a Florida hiker found on a trail last month a suicide.
Theodore S. Troth, 51, of The Villages, Florida, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to an autopsy performed Feb. 27 at Glens Falls Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica.
State Police were notified of a missing hiker on the Crane Pond Trail in the town of Schroon at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 24.
An investigation determined that Troth began renting a cabin at Rowe’s Adirondack Cabins, located on State Route 9 in the town of Schroon, on Jan. 25.
Troth was last seen leaving the cabin to go hiking on the Crane Pond Trail on Feb. 19.
On Feb. 24, the cabin owner became concerned when Troth failed to check out as scheduled.
After going to the cabin and discovering Troth was not present, the owner notified authorities.
A coordinated search effort was established involving the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Forest Rangers, and State Police.
State Police deployed K-9 and Unmanned Aerial Systems units, while Forest Rangers utilized snowmobiles to assist in covering the terrain.
At approximately 6:24 p.m. on Feb. 24, Forest Rangers located Troth at the south end of Oxshoe Pond, accessible from the Crane Pond Trailhead.
Troth was found deceased, and the scene showed no signs of foul play.
The Essex County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and requested removal of the body.
