Susan Lockwood, a 66‑year‑old retired nurse from Richmond, Massachusetts, was last seen on October 30, 2023, when she failed to return home after hiking near Lenox Mountain. Her car was found parked on Reservoir Road—a known trailhead she frequented—prompting concern among family and authorities. Local and state police, alongside volunteer crews, deployed infrared cameras, drones, K‑9 units, and air‑wing support in a coordinated effort to locate her, though initial search efforts yielded no definitive traces.
Early in the search, responders discovered Lockwood’s hat, confirming her presence in the wooded area; however, there was still no sign of her whereabouts. Authorities emphasized that foul play was not suspected, and treated the case as a likely outdoor accident, given the rugged terrain she was known to traverse. Lockwood's husband noted she had been dealing with anxiety and was awaiting treatment at Berkshire Medical Center, a factor that may have affected her navigation in the wilderness.
On February 9, 2024, over three months after her disappearance, a hiker and their dog discovered a single hiking boot off the main trail; inside it was evidence of human remains. State Police then resumed a more concentrated search. Between February 11 and 12, the Special Emergency Response Team—supported by troopers and K‑9 units—found additional remains, clothing, and a fully intact skull at the base of a cliff on Lenox Mountain. These items were subsequently handed over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for formal identification.
On February 14, 2024, authorities confirmed via dental records that the remains belonged to Susan Lockwood. The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office stated that the cause and manner of death remained undetermined, but that there was no indication of foul play. The office extended condolences to her husband and family and publicly praised the extensive search efforts by Mountaint Search and Rescue teams, State Police, and volunteer groups.
In the months following, the Richmond community—close to Lockwood and aware of her love for Lenox Mountain—established a memorial initiative. A GoFundMe campaign led by friends sought donations to create a bench overlooking her favorite vista on Yokun Seat, within the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, ensuring her memory continues to inspire care for the environment she so cherished.
The case of Susan Lockwood underscores both the risks inherent in wilderness hiking and the resilience of community and law enforcement. While definitive answers regarding how she fell remain elusive, the collective response—from initial search teams to the memorial efforts—reflects a powerful testament to both concern and compassion in the face of tragedy.
Last Seen: Oct 30, 2023
