Article Contributed on: 2/12/2008 1:25:36 PM
A hiker who was found dead Feb. 2 near the Rainbow Falls Campground area Douglas County appears to have committed suicide, according to the coroner's office.
Joseph Twyford, 33 , of Arizona,was found by two hikers at approximately 3:35 p.m., according to the sheriff's office. His body was partially covered in snow and ice. When deputies and investigators arrived, it was determined that the body had been there for some time.
The coroner determined the cause of death to be consistent with asphyxiation by rope. Toxicology reports are still pending. A suicide note was recovered. At this time, investigators are unclear about how Twyford got to the campsite.