Cause of Death Revealed for 21-Year-Old Hiker Who Slipped Off Trail on New York’s Tallest Mountain

A young woman’s cause of death has been confirmed days after she died while hiking with her dog in New York.

New York State Police said 21-year-old Brianna L. Mohr died on Feb. 12 while hiking Mount Marcy, the state’s tallest mountain.

Forest rangers were alerted around 3 p.m. on Feb. 12 that a hiker and her dog were in distress, and an extensive search began. Authorities said Mohr had called 911 to report that she had fallen off the trail near the summit and was unable to get back.

Rangers responded by snowmobile and a tracked utility vehicle, while state police also sent a helicopter. However, heavy cloud cover prevented the crew from seeing her from the air, and one ranger was sent to continue the search on the ground.

Shortly before 10 p.m., a ranger located Mohr and found that she had died. Weather conditions prevented crews from removing her from the mountain that night, but her dog was found alive and was brought out safely.

Mohr, who was from New Jersey, was recovered the following day from Mount Marcy, which has an elevation of 5,344 feet.

State police said an autopsy performed Feb. 14 determined her cause of death was hypothermia.

Mohr’s brother, Ryan, paid tribute to her in an Instagram post, writing that she had been his best friend and the “coolest person” he knew. He said growing up with her shaped who he is today, and recalled how she was always there when he needed someone to talk to, a ride, or support.