Authorities have finally identified the body of a man found frozen in a cave along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, nearly 50 years after his discovery.
Nicholas Paul Grubb was 27 years old when he died in a cave near Pinnacle, Albany Township, on January 16, 1977.
Known simply as the ‘Pinnacle Man’, he was a young white man with blue eyes and curly red hair before two hikers found his remains.
Dressed in a brown suede jacket, Wrangler jeans and hiking boots, he was carrying a small amount of cash.
Although the autopsy could not determine the time of his death, the cause of death was determined to be an overdose of phenobarbital and pentobarbital and the cause of death was suicide. Since no one was able to claim his body, he was buried at Potter’s Field Cemetery in Berks County and the case was put on hold.
After nearly 50 years, authorities have finally identified a man found frozen in a cave along the Appalachian Trail as Nicolas Paul Grubb, a 27-year-old from Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
Pictured: A sketch of Grubb after his frozen body was found.
Despite extensive efforts, including exhumation and DNA testing, her identity remained elusive until a cold case detective found her original fingerprint cards, leading to a quick identification.
In 2019, Grubb’s remains were exhumed from Potter’s Field in Berks County. A genealogical analysis in 2023 failed to identify him, according to the county coroner’s office.
“For 47 years, this man remained unidentified. A nameless figure in a long-forgotten case,” Berks County Coroner John Fielding III said during a news conference Tuesday.
‘But today I am honored to announce that thanks to the unwavering determination of federal, state and local agencies, the Berks County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of this individual.
‘His name is Nicolas Paul Grubb, a 27-year-old man from Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.’
Nicolas Paul Grubb, known as “Nicky” to his family, served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard before his death. After his honorable discharge in 1971, Grubb’s life was tragically cut short on the Appalachian Trail.
Researchers have confirmed that over the past 15 years, at least 10 people have been matched to the remains of a man known simply as “Grubb.” These comparisons were made using fingerprints and dental X-rays.
In 2019, Grubb’s remains were exhumed from Potter’s Field in Berks County. A genealogical analysis in 2023 failed to identify him, according to the county coroner’s office.
Authorities are working to learn more about the circumstances surrounding his death.
They plan to amend his death certificate and return his remains to his family plot.
The Berks County Coroner’s Office is actively involved in bringing Grubb home.
Nicolas Paul Grubb, known as “Nicky” to his family, served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard before he died. After his honorable discharge in 1971, Grubb’s life took a tragic turn.
DailyMail.com previously reported on the discovery of the mummified body of American climber William Stampfl in Peru 22 years after he disappeared while climbing in the Andes.
William Stampfl was reported missing in June 2002, aged 59, when an avalanche buried his climbing group on Mount Huascarán in the Ancash region of Peru.
Her remains were found in the ice on Friday, exactly 22 years and three days after the anniversary of her death, Stampfl’s family said.
A climbing couple and their guide found Stampfl in the Cordillera Blanca during their descent from the mountain after his remains were exposed by melting ice.
Stampfl’s body, as well as his clothing, harness and boots, had been well preserved despite the ice and freezing temperatures. His identity card was found among his belongings, allowing the climbers to identify him and contact his loved ones.
The family worked with local guides and authorities to recover his remains over the weekend. His body was placed in a morgue in the city of Huaraz.