Report Removes Finding Alcoholism Played Role in Hiker Death

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The medical examiner in Maine has changed a finding that alcoholism played a role in the death of a Massachusetts man who died while hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Chief medical examiner Mark Flomenbaum’s office has issued an updated autopsy report to the widow of 63-year-old Jeff Aylward. The Maine Warden Service found Aylward dead near his tent in western Maine in August.

The Bangor Daily News reports Flomenbaum’s office originally attributed Aylward’s death to a heart condition spurred by diabetes, with alcoholism as a contributing factor. The updated report provided to Ann Aylward on Friday removes the finding that alcoholism played a role.

Ann Aylward says she’s “so glad that I can put Jeff to rest and put him to rest in the true light of who he is.”