Body of Missing Hiker Recovered in Shenandoah National Park
LURAY, Va. — The search for a missing hiker ended on Monday when crew members discovered the man’s body.
Robert (Bob) Bieri was last seen off-trail in the Big Meadows Lodge area on July 5, 2025. Later that evening, he was reported missing. A full-scale search operation began and a description of Bieri was released to the public.
Search teams located the body of Bieri at 12:13 p.m. July 7, 2025, near Lewis Falls, a 3.3 mile circuit hike near milepost 51 on Skyline Drive.
According to a social media post, Bieri, 61, had a PhD in nuclear physics from MIT and was well-liked by colleagues.
The search effort was led by Shenandoah National Park aided by Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Department of Wildlife and Recreation, Rockingham Fire Department, Harrisonburg Fire Department, Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office, Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Group, Maryland State Police, United States Park Police, United States Customs and Border Protection, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Appalachian Trail Club, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and others who assisted in the search.
A cause of death was not released.
Very sad! 😢