The body is believed to be that of David McCartney
A body believed to be that of missing walker David McCartney has been found in the Yorkshire Dales.
North Yorkshire Police said a farmer made the discovery in the Coverhead area late on Monday morning and contacted them.
A police spokesperson said: “Officers attended a short time later, along with mountain rescue and the body was recovered.
“Although formal identification has not been confirmed at this stage, officers believe the body to be that of David McCartney.
“Mr McCartney’s family have been informed of this news and are currently being supported. A post-mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death. Officers believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.”
The 74-year-old from Keighley, West Yorkshire, had not been seen since setting out from his home seven days previously, with the intention of recceing an eight-mile walk.
Extensive searches were carried out throughout last week and into the weekend, when almost 100 volunteer mountain rescuers were involved in the operation to try to find Mr McCartney.
As well as Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, members of the Cave Rescue Organisation; Holme Valley, Swaledale, Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Teams; plus Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team;, RAF Mountain Rescue Service, and officers from North Yorkshire Police took part in the searches, together with 12 handlers and their animals from Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England, coming from as far away as the Lake District, the Peak District and north-east England.
Helicopter crews from the Coastguard and the National Police Air Service were also involved.
The body was found near the head of Coverdale, about 4km north of the main areas of the search on Great Whernside and around the Nidderdale reservoirs.
Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association said: “Team members send our sincere condolences to David’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
North Yorkshire Police added: “We would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with sharing the appeals to find David.”
