A New Jersey man died last week while hiking the steep Devil’s Path trail in the Catskill Mountains, authorities confirmed.
Linhu Jin, 54, of Palisades Park, became unresponsive around 6:45 p.m. on April 24, about a mile up West Kill Mountain. A group of hikers discovered his body and immediately called 911.
New York State Police and forest rangers reached the scene by 8:30 p.m. and confirmed Jin’s death. Crews recovered his body by 12:15 a.m.
State Police found no signs of foul play, but they have not released an official cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.
The recovery operation involved multiple agencies, including the Lexington Fire Company, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and a Department of Environmental Conservation investigator. The Greene County coroner took custody of Jin’s body.
Jin had been hiking along Devil’s Path, widely regarded as one of the hardest trails in the region. The trail’s steep inclines, narrow ridgelines, and long stretches without exit points pose significant risks, the trail presents significant challenges, even for experienced hikers.
Authorities continue to urge hikers to exercise caution, especially in remote sections with limited cell service and harsh terrain.
Details about Linhu Jin’s life and services can be found in his obituary.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.