On April 12, 1976, 19-year-old Steven Paul Thomas of Remsen, New York, left a lean-to about two miles below the summit of Mount Marcy and hiked toward the peak alone around 3:00 PM. He had been a last-minute addition to a party of six and, apart from childhood friend Bruce Weaver, reportedly kept to himself. He left his backpack and provisions behind and took only a knife. He was last seen wearing faded blue jeans, a t-shirt, a blue parka with a yellow slicker, boots, and yellow rubber gloves — clothing described as inadequate for freezing, unpredictable April conditions on the mountain.

When Steven failed to return, two companions attempted a search that night but turned back because of high winds and dangerous wind chill. The party reported him missing on the evening of April 13, triggering a two-week search involving helicopters, dogs, and rangers; no trace was found and the official search ended April 21, 1976.

Steven’s brother Bob later spent years searching Mount Marcy, including many summits, without finding answers.