Ritchard Temple, a 52-year-old eventer and cross-country course designer, was reported missing after embarking on a hike along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal’s towpath, a 184.5-mile trail stretching between Cumberland, Maryland, and Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. His last known communication occurred on July 25, 2015, near Town Creek, Maryland. Some of his belongings were later discovered on the riverbank near Town Creek in early August, prompting a search by National Park Service rangers.
Despite efforts involving helicopters, K-9 units, and ground searches, no conclusive evidence of his whereabouts was found.
Temple, who had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis the previous fall, spent the months leading up to his hike visiting family members. He returned to the hiking area he cherished shortly after July 4, 2015. His family noted that he did not provide specific plans for his hike, leading them to believe he would eventually return to Tennessee to be with them. Temple’s brother, Randy, expressed that the search transitioned from a rescue to a recovery operation, with authorities remaining aware of the situation but not conducting an active search.
Temple was a prominent figure in the eventing community, having been a sponsor, event organizer, and cross-country course designer. He was a founding member and former co-owner of Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency, a longtime sponsor of the U.S. Eventing Association. Temple also contributed to the American Eventing Championships as an organizer and course designer. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as 6 feet tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with graying blond hair, glasses, a limp, and limited use of his right arm.Last Seen: Aug 6, 2015
