Cops finally crack mystery of the ‘Pinnacle man’ 50 years after his frozen corpse was found in a cave
Officials have finally identified the body of a man found frozen in a cave along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, nearly 50 years after it was discovered.
Nicholas Paul Grubb was 27 years old when he died on January 16, 1977, in a cave near Pinnacle, Albany Township.
Known only as the ‘Pinnacle Man’, he was a young, white male with blue eyes and curly red hair. His remains were found by two hikers.
He was wearing a brown suede jacket, Wrangler jeans and hiking boots and had a small amount of cash on him.
Although the autopsy could not determine the time of death, the cause of death was determined to be an overdose of phenobarbital and pentobarbital, and the manner of death was listed as suicide. Since no one could claim his body, he was buried in Berks County’s Potter’s Field, and the case went cold.
After nearly 50 years, officials have finally identified a man found frozen in a cave along the Appalachian Trail. He is 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 exhumations and DNA testing, his identity remained elusive until a cold case detective found his original fingerprint cards, leading to a quick identification.
In 2019, Grubbs’ remains were exhumed from Potter’s Field in Berks County. A genealogical analysis conducted in 2023 failed to identify him, the county coroner’s office said.
“This man went unidentified for 47 years. 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, nicknamed “Nicky” by 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 individuals have been matched to the remains of a man known only as “Grubb.” These comparisons were made using fingerprints and dental x-rays.
In 2019, Grubbs’ remains were exhumed from Potter’s Field in Berks County. A genealogical analysis conducted in 2023 failed to identify him, the county coroner’s office said.
Officials are trying 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” by his family, served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard before his death. 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 Stampfli in Peru, 22 years after he disappeared while climbing the Andes
William Stampfl was reported missing in June 2002 at the age of 59 after his climbing group was buried by an avalanche on Mount Huascaran in the Ancash region of Peru.
His remains were found in the ice on Friday, exactly 22 years and three days after Stampfl’s death, Stampfl’s family announced.
A pair of climbers and their guide found Stampfl in the Cordillera Blanca mountains while descending the mountain, after his remains were exposed by melting ice.
Stampfl’s body, as well as his clothes, harness and boots, were well preserved by the ice and freezing temperatures. His ID 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, after which his body was placed in a morgue in the city of Huaraz.