Found Deceased NY - Paul McKay, 31, Saranac Lake, 31 Dec 2013

[Abstar80]

Having lived in the area that Paul is from, I can tell you that the coldest he would have experienced in his home town is -6 possibly -7 during winter...

There is an article now in the canberra times detailing his disappearance..

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act...a-soldier-paul-john-mckay-20140110-30mu6.html

 

[Mel 1303]

Australian Missing Person Register is now featuring Paul.

 

[BunnyHop]

Most Aussies would not understand at all ... when I first was in that kind of weather I thought my Aussie winter coat would suffice! :floorlaugh:

(Immediately joined the long underwear, down jacket, wool hat/gloves/socks crowd when I had to go out. Otherwise, sitting on top of a heat vent was my preferred place!)

I appreciate your post, but I am VERY serious.

We've had sub zero weather here this past week and two. It's nothing to joke about. Ever had your pipes freeze? Lose power? No water? Freeze you arse off?
If you are not prepared, you're out of luck.

You just don't dress like that in Adirondacks. You need polar clothing and if backpacking, um you need tent and polar sleeping bag. :twocents:

 

[enzeder]

FWIW, he doesn't look dressed warm enough to me.

I'm a hiker, upstate, not that far upstate.

I went to Adirondacks in spring to shoot the rapids. IN THE SPRING!!!
we wore underalls + wetsuits. In the deep winter, we would dress much heavier than that. Down, wool hats, gloves, polar garments etc..... :twocents:

You don't dress that way in sub zero weather.

ETA: You just don't dress that way in sub zero Adirondacks in winter. Nope.

You need wool hats, polar clothing, down jackets etc.........
This photo scares me.

That surveillance photo of Paul, at the desk of the Greyhound bus terminal in Albany, is dated Dec. 30 so it's the day before he was last seen. He appeared to be wearing a winter jacket and snow pants on the day he was last seen - Dec. 31. (see quotes below)

Police released this surveillance photo of Paul McKay Dec. 30 at the desk of the Greyhound bus terminal in Albany.
http://adirondackdailyenterprise.co...helps-in-search-for-missing-man.html?nav=5008

Dec. 30

7 a.m. - leaves New York City by Greyhound bus

10 a.m. - arrives in Albany bus terminal

1:30 p.m. - leaves Albany bus terminal
http://www.adirondackdailyenterpris...arch-for-missing-Australian-man.html?nav=5008

This morning, police released a timeline of McKay's travel from Australia to Saranac Lake, along with a missing person flyer that says he was last seen wearing a winter jacket and snow pants, possibly dark colored, and a very large backpack.
http://www.adirondackdailyenterpris...arch-for-missing-Australian-man.html?nav=5008

Attached Image: Fact Box - Paul McKay's known travel timeline
http://www.adirondackdailyenterpris...arch-for-missing-Australian-man.html?nav=5008

 

[SouthAussie]

I appreciate your post, but I am VERY serious.

We've had sub zero weather here this past week and two. It's nothing to joke about. Ever had your pipes freeze? Lose power? No water? Freeze you arse off?
If you are not prepared, you're out of luck.

You just don't dress like that in Adirondacks. You need polar clothing and if backpacking, um you need tent and polar sleeping bag. :twocents:

Completely understand BunnyHop. Lived overseas in a similar area for several years, and we have seen a lot of reports about the recent weather caused by the polar vortex. A person doesn’t survive for very long outside in conditions like that. Sorry for seeming flippant.

I personally think that Paul is in serious trouble out there in the environment, or that he actually had an alternate plan to somehow get to warmth and safety quite quickly. He was dressed in a jacket and snowpants when he was last seen, so may have been dressed considerably warmer than in the terminal photo - enough to get him to a safe location - though don't ask me where that would be!

It is interesting that Defence are actively searching for him too. Paul was apparently on leave, but I guess we don’t know if that was vacation leave, or medical leave.

 

[BunnyHop]

That surveillance photo of Paul, at the desk of the Greyhound bus terminal in Albany, is dated Dec. 30 so it's the day before he was last seen. He appeared to be wearing a winter jacket and snow pants on the day he was last seen - Dec. 31. (see quotes below)







Attached Image: Fact Box - Paul McKay's known travel timeline
http://www.adirondackdailyenterpris...arch-for-missing-Australian-man.html?nav=5008

I appreciate your post. He is not wearing a winter jacket, he's wearing a baseball cap. I lived in Woodstock for 2 years. Adirondacks are way north.
We had tough winters. His clothing falls way short IMHO.

No one around here goes out in those clothes. Maybe in spring or fall
NEVER in full Winter. This is nothing to joke about. You just don't go out like that in winter, nope. So, I fear for him. Unless he made it elsewhere.

:twocents:

 

[BunnyHop]

Completely understand BunnyHop. Lived overseas in a similar area for several years, and we have seen a lot of reports about the recent weather caused by the polar vortex. A person doesn’t survive for very long outside in conditions like that. Sorry for seeming flippant.

I personally think that Paul is in serious trouble out there in the environment, or that he actually had an alternate plan to somehow get to warmth and safety quite quickly. He was dressed in a jacket and snowpants when he was last seen, so may have been dressed considerably warmer than in the terminal photo - enough to get him to a safe location - though don't ask me where that would be!

It is interesting that Defence are actively searching for him too. Paul was apparently on leave, but I guess we don’t know if that was vacation leave, or medical leave.

BBM Sorry, but I don't see appropriate clothing.

I respect nature, avid hiker and kyacker. Never underestimate Mother Nature. :twocents:

I've had a few close calls. Go with a partner. My Big Bro avid hiker and fishing went down on his ankle. Very scary. Anything can happen. :twocents:

 

[los2188]

BBM Sorry, but I don't see appropriate clothing.

I respect nature, avid hiker and kyacker. Never underestimate Mother Nature. :twocents:

I've had a few close calls. Go with a partner. My Big Bro avid hiker and fishing went down on his ankle. Very scary. Anything can happen. :twocents:

I have to second that a bit. I grew up in Alaska. I can handle a lot of adverse weather. Been there, done that times 3. But being in the winter time, even at 30 F, you've got to be prepared. It will get to you quickly! I can't tell you how many stories I've read or been told about people taking a quick hike into the mountains or woods, and all they find are remains many years later. I say Never underestimate and respect Mother Nature...just to add to that.

 

[BunnyHop]

I have to second that a bit. I grew up in Alaska. I can handle a lot of adverse weather. Been there, done that times 3. But being in the winter time, even at 30 F, you've got to be prepared. It will get to you quickly! I can't tell you how many stories I've read or been told about people taking a quick hike into the mountains or woods, and all they find are remains many years later. I say Never underestimate and respect Mother Nature...just to add to that.

Thanks. Nothing to take lightly.

As I said, I am an avid hiker, Catskills.
No one dresses like that in winter, sorry.

He was in "high country" even colder.

If, you go out you need a better backpack.

If I were his parents I would pay attention. :twocents:

 

[BunnyHop]

I want to say one more thing.

I've done many winter hikes. I never went alone.

Some hikes were 10+ miles.

I dressed with real long johns, wool layers, polar tech, heavy wool socks, heavy wool gloves, neck wraps, and wool hats, down jacket. Yep,
Not to mention excellent Merrill hiking boots. :loveyou:

:loveyou:

 

[elmomom]

I want to say one more thing.

I've done many winter hikes. I never went alone.

Some hikes were 10+ miles.

I dressed with real long johns, wool layers, polar tech, heavy wool socks, heavy wool gloves, neck wraps, and wool hats, down jacket. Yep,
Not to mention excellent Merrill hiking boots. :loveyou:

:loveyou:

Bunny, I think you missed the point of what has been said numerous times. The picture you are judging all this clothing emergency upon is just a shot if him, indoors, at a terminal.. There are camera photos of him walking outdoors the following day with apparently different clothing on (snow pants, among other things.). Just because he is not wearing them in the one picture you have seen, does not mean he was not prepared for the elements.
I hope that Paul had proper clothing, and I believe if he were planning to spend time in the outdoors, he would have had. Sadly, I think the signs all point to his being on a suicide mission, so I am not at all convinced it mattered what he wore at all.
:twocents:

 

[SouthAussie]

My local paper is now reporting on Paul, in an extremely limited way, and with a Defence disclaimer.

"Due to privacy legislation, Defence will not provide any further personal or service details relating to Captain McKay," Defence said.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/...er-missing-in-us/story-fni6ul2m-1226799671807

 

[Sunrisenow]

Paul was apparently on leave, but I guess we don’t know if that was vacation leave, or medical leave.

snipped by me

As I posted on the previous page, his unit was/is on leave, that's why it's difficult for LE to make contact with people who they want to question about what they might know about McKay.

Also from same article:

Nason said McKay isn't due to return from leave until Jan. 20.

http://www.adirondackdailyenterpris...helps-in-search-for-missing-man.html?nav=5046

 

[SouthAussie]

So for about another week, until 20th Jan, Paul is on leave. Unless he is found or reappears, after that he may become absent without leave. Though PTSD can be a defense in that. This could get very murky. From what I can find about Paul, he is very smart, ambitious, and comes from a very good background ... a fine young man IMO.

But it sounds as though he had a real tough time in Afghanistan.

…. he was a battle captain on shift at Sorkh Bed Forward Operating Base in October 2011 when an Afghan solider opened fire on a group of 10 Australian soldiers, killing three and an interpreter, and seriously injuring seven other Australian troops.

(This was a heavily-reported event here in Australia, particularly as it was a 'friendly' Afghan soldier who suddenly turned on the Aussie troops).
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act...-john-mckay-20140110-30mu6.html#ixzz2q85p7TtD


I wonder if his new Army position has anything to do with him leaving the country and giving his father his belongings and financials. He just started in December with the Australian Army's Directorate of Global Operations, Joint Operations Command. This dept deals with the operational services in Afghanistan and other countries (according to info on LinkedIn).

Captain McKay had worked for two years for the Defence Materiel Organisation after returning from Afghanistan, and in December joined the Australian Army's Directorate of Global Operations, Joint Operations Command.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act...-john-mckay-20140110-30mu6.html#ixzz2q7y3dbUR

 

[enzeder]

POLICE believe missing Australian soldier and Canberra man Paul McKay could survive the freezing conditions in New York state due to his military training and the clothing worn when he was last seen almost a fortnight ago.

The 31-year-old was last spotted on December 31 walking in the rugged north of the state, where nearby village Saranac Lake has average January daily lows of minus 16 degrees.

Saranac Lake police chief Bruce Nason said the winter weather clothing Captain McKay was last seen in was an encouraging sign.

Australian soldier Paul McKay still missing in US
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/aust...ssing-in-us-20140111-30nu9.html#ixzz2q8zlLVnV

 

[enzeder]

Nason said the investigation by his officers found that, when he was last seen, McKay was wearing winter clothing and carried a backpack.

“This coupled with his military training and physical fitness make it likely that he is well prepared to survive on winter conditions,” Nason said in a press release Friday.

Police broadening search for Australian man missing in Adirondacks since Dec. 31
http://northcountrynow.com/news/police-broadening-search-australian-man-missing-adirondacks-dec-31

 

[wondering?]

I live in the area, about 50 miles from where he was last seen, yes, we have had brutal temps over the last week but encouraging is that it was in the 40's today and now is 39 with temps in the 30's forecast for the week.

If this young man was hiking he could be ok and I am praying that he is but that is rugged territory where last seen.
Not one that too many would undertake in January, for sure.

The young man who disappeared in the same area last year, has never been found in spite of many searches. I think about him often, what could have happened, could someone have picked him up and taken him somewhere.
Could this have happened to this young man also?

It is not a good area to become lost in but there are many, many wonderful people who live in this Northern area of NY State who would give him a safe ride, a cup of coffee, shelter or help to a bus.

So hoping for a good outcome in this case. If anyone could find out why he came to this area it could give a hint as to his plans. Did he come to see the mountains and had read about the Olympics in Lake Placid yrs. ago?
His family must be so frantic.

 

[enzeder]

Updated 2 minutes ago

About 40 volunteers and forest rangers have joined the search for a missing Canberra soldier in upstate New York.

Officials are growing increasingly worried about missing Australian, Captain Paul McKay.

They have been searching for a week-and-a-half and believe he may be in woods around Saranac Lake.

Temperatures have warmed to about seven degrees Celsius and authorities say the 31-year-old's military training and fitness will help him survive.

Dozens join search for missing Australian soldier in New York state
Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-...-missing-australian-in-new-york-state/5196636

 

[fruity]

There is ABSOLUTELY ZERO details in MSM.

Being an Australian, I'm super surprised to have also heard DIDDLY SQUAT about Paul in our local MSM. Further, he does not appear to be listed in any Australian missing person databases.

I've tried searching FB and Twitter to see if he has an online presence, but can't seem to locate any profiles for him.

Should I see if LE is looking into getting him a NAMUS profile?

Thinking about it more, I'm just wondering who reported him missing? Was he travelling alone and failed to check out, leaving his belongings behind? Or was he travelling in a group and became separated?

It's a few days later, but I first heard about Paul in MSM then came here to find the thread.

 

[SouthAussie]

I live in the area, about 50 miles from where he was last seen, yes, we have had brutal temps over the last week but encouraging is that it was in the 40's today and now is 39 with temps in the 30's forecast for the week.

If this young man was hiking he could be ok and I am praying that he is but that is rugged territory where last seen.
Not one that too many would undertake in January, for sure.

The young man who disappeared in the same area last year, has never been found in spite of many searches. I think about him often, what could have happened, could someone have picked him up and taken him somewhere.
Could this have happened to this young man also?

It is not a good area to become lost in but there are many, many wonderful people who live in this Northern area of NY State who would give him a safe ride, a cup of coffee, shelter or help to a bus.

So hoping for a good outcome in this case. If anyone could find out why he came to this area it could give a hint as to his plans. Did he come to see the mountains and had read about the Olympics in Lake Placid yrs. ago?
His family must be so frantic.

I'm interested in the young man who disappeared in the same area last year. Are you able to provide a name so that I can research that a little please, wondering?

I'm curious to see if the Saranac Lake/Lake Placid thing could be just a step in the journey to a final destination. I'm wondering if Paul could be long-gone from the area.

Finding the emotional energy to buy a plane ticket, get to the airport, sit on a gruelling 20-hour flight to NY, get to the bus station, then sit on a long 5-hour bus ride to Saranac Lake (? why Saranac Lake ? no apparent answer to that) to wander off somewhere and end it all because a person is depressed/not coping due to PTSD is a big ask IMO. Plenty of beautiful spots MUCH closer to home, plenty of beautiful hiking much closer to home too.