Avid hiker missing from Groton last seen over a month ago
Steven Joseph Gush has been described as an avid hiker. The 38-year-old is very familiar with trails in and around Groton and Ledyard, friends and family have told police.
Just over a month ago – on March 29 – his car, wallet and phone were found near the entrance to a local wildlife management area. But there’s been no sign of Gush.
Gush was last seen around 3 p.m. on March 29 by family members in Ledyard, police said. His car was found at the Candlewood Hill Wildlife Management Area on Gold Star Highway, also known as Route 184, and it is believed he left his car there to go hiking.
Groton, New London and state police teams have searched the area along Route 184 with dogs and thermal-imaging drones, and have utilized dive teams to search nearby ponds.
Assistance from other departments has been invaluable in covering areas with limited accessibility, and eliminating certain areas from focus, Groton police said.
“We have remained in close and consistent contact with Mr. Gush’s family, who have also organized independent search efforts,” police said. “We remain hopeful that our ongoing investigation will lead to positive developments.”
Family members and volunteers have searched on and off local trails, and numerous officers have been searching the area on foot. Police have also put out a public request for anyone who lives in the area to check their outdoor surveillance or trail cameras for any signs of Gush.
About a week after Gush went missing, police received reports from another hiker that he had been followed by a person he found suspicious in another park on the opposite end of Groton, but police do not believe it to be related to Gush’s disappearance.
“We are working in coordination with the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police, who have primary jurisdiction over this matter,” Groton police said. “They have been in contact with the reporting party, and our department will continue to support their investigation as needed.”
Gush is described as a 6-foot-2 man weighing approximately 230 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and a thick gray beard. He has tattoos on his legs and one arm. He was last seen in a yellow jacket, blue jeans, a blue shirt and brown boots, police said.
It is unclear if he has any medical conditions or special needs that could have prevented him from returning to his car.
Anyone who may have information that could help find Steven Joseph Gush, is asked to contact Groton police at 860-441-6712.