Melville Shelter

26 Melville Nauheim Shelter, originally uploaded by Cyclopshiker.

A hiker was found dead in Melville Shelter on the Long Trail.

WOODFORD — Police said the body of a missing hiker was recovered at a shelter on the Long Trail Thursday, after family members reported him missing Tuesday.

State Police Lt. Reginald Trayahsaid policeand other rescue personnel located the body of Billy J. Thomas, 41, of Niverville, N.Y., at the Melville Shelter in Woodford.

Thomas was considered an experienced hiker and was familiar with the Woodford area, but had undisclosed medical issues.

Trayah said search teams were inserted on the Long Trail near the Little Pond area in Woodford early Thursday morning.

The teams made their way down the Long Trail to the Melville Shelter where Thomas was found deceased. A preliminary investigation yielded no cause of death, he said.

My condolences to his friends and family.