Brendan Jackson, a New York assistant forest ranger, was found dead June 15 at his remote campsite in Duck Hole, Franklin County, after being missing for over a week, according to the DEC. He last checked in on June 7, but his absence wasn’t reported until a friend raised concern on June 14.
Jackson, 42, had served since 2008 and was well-known in the High Peaks region for trail work and public safety. His death has sparked a growing petition demanding improved ranger tracking and emergency communication protocols.
The DEC is reviewing its procedures and continues to investigate alongside state police. Jackson’s death highlights safety concerns as forest rangers manage rising summer workloads with limited staffing.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].