Menallen Township, Pa. - Police have found the body of a Lancaster County man who disappeared near the Michaux State Forest in Adams County.

Chad Stroup, 26, was last seen Tuesday morning when he left his home in Columbia to scout for hunting spots. His parents called police when he didn't return that night. State police found his body Wednesday afternoon in a shallow creek about a half-mile from where they found his truck.

"There were no signs of foul play and there were no visible injuries to his body," said Tpr. Tom Pinkerton, a state police spokesman. "He did not have a firearm with him."

Police had been searching for Stroup for more than 16 hours. It was a massive effort involving dogs, ATVs, a helicopter and as many as 80 people. They had to deal with rough terrain, as did Stroup, although he apparently was prepared.

"It's not an area where you're going to be out wearing sneakers," said Adams County Public Information Officer John Hartzell. "As we understand it, he had boots and appropriate clothes and covering."

Stroup was wearing camouflage hunting clothing which, according to an official at the scene, may have prevented searchers from finding him sooner. Stroup was also apparently alone. Police recommend using the buddy system and carrying a cell phone, but admit cellular service in the area is spotty at best.

"Unfortunately even if he would have had a cell phone, chances are, we wouldn't have been able to do anything with that in an attempt to locate him," Pinkerton said.

An autopsy is scheduled for Friday at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.

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