A 59-year-old Eureka man who was reported missing Aug. 11 after failing to return from a day hike in the Swan Lake area died from an apparent fall, according to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell.
Searchers found the body of William Hendrix on Aug. 16 in a rugged area off of a hiking trail along the Swan Crest. Bell said he’s awaiting autopsy results from the state crime lab in Missoula but it appears the man died in a fall from a 10-foot cliff.
“It’s unclear whether he tripped or lost his footing, but somehow he fell and perished from his injuries,” Bell said.
Hendrix left for a hike early on Aug. 11 and was planning to hike to Thunderbolt Mountain along the Swan Crest. His wife reported him missing when he didn’t return home that evening.
His pickup truck was found at the North Lost Creek Trailhead.
The Lake County sheriff’s office along with Swan Mission Search and Rescue, North Valley Search and Rescue and Two Bear Air assisted in the five-day search.
Bell said friends and family members described Hendrix as physically fit and an experienced hiker who was familiar with the area. He was bushwhacking off trail when he fell, Bell said.