FORESTBURGH – A Glen Spey resident has been missing since the early morning hours of Thursday, March 30, and a search is on looking for him.
Harold Hoyt, and a friend who was traveling with him, experienced a flat tire while navigating on a back road area of Sullivan County, along Galligan Road. The two ended up becoming lost in the woods, with only one making it to safety.
Hoyt’s friend, who managed to make his way safely home, placed a call for help on Saturday morning, according to the missing man’s family.
“His friend said they became separated in the woods, and while he was able to get home, he did not call for help until Saturday,” said Hoyt’s sister. “No one has heard from or seen my brother since.”
Hoyt’s parents, sister, and other family members have been on scene with searchers since Saturday. Despite an intensive ongoing search by foot, UTV and ATV, and drone and helicopter, the steep wooded terrain extending from Galligan Road has not yielded answers as to Hoyt’s location.
Hoyt, the father of two, lives in Glen Spey with his girlfriend. He was described as tall and slim and last wearing camouflage pants and a maroon jacket. His family is hoping the maroon jacket will help searchers spot him if he is still in the woods.
The weather has been rough for anyone who might have been stranded in the woods during the past few days. While Saturday was warm and sunny, the days and nights have included temperatures dipping to near freezing at night and heavy rain and wind at times, a noted concern for those seeking Hoyt’s whereabouts.
Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Slavik, who was on scene at command among those keeping Hoyt’s family informed, said multiple agencies have been involved in the search since first being contacted for help. He said his office checked with family, hospitals, taxi drivers and other resources that could possibly have interacted with Hoyt, but to no avail.
“A teletype has also been issued, which reaches nationwide,” Slavik said.
While the search area and Hoyt’s last known contact location is in Sullivan County, the area is actually covered by Orange County Fire District. Units from both counties are continuing to search.
The family expressed their gratitude for the many officials and volunteer searchers from the region who have been continuously on scene throughout this weekend.
