Dozens join search for missing Australian soldier in New York state
By North America correspondent Lisa Millar
ABC
Officials are growing increasingly worried about missing Australian, Captain Paul McKay.
They have been searching for a week-and-a-half and believe he may be in woods around Saranac Lake.
Temperatures have warmed to about seven degrees Celsius and authorities say the 31-year-old's military training and fitness will help him survive.
He was carrying a large backpack and US police believe that despite the freezing conditions he was headed for Lake Placid in the state's north.
Local media are reporting that Captain McKay arrived in the country on December 29.
Two earlier credible sightings were reported but police have had no further leads.
It is understood the Afghanistan veteran suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Local police chief Bruce Nason says Captain McKay's family in Australia received an email from him on the day he disappeared.
"The email that he sent to his father, he pretty much gave all property and possessions to his father, and there was some other information I'm not going to get into detail with, but it led us to believe that he didn't plan on returning," he said.
Mr Nason says extra volunteers and forest rangers have joined the search and no-one is giving up hope.
"We're getting calls daily with new information from the public," he said.
"The ground search is being conducted by the New York State Forest Rangers receiving assistance from the New York State Police and experienced volunteers.
"The wooded area where he was last seen, some areas it's really thick and it's difficult to get through."
Police say Captain McKay travelled to Saranac Lake on December 30 and stay overnight at the Best Western Inn before leaving the next day.
It is believed he left walking along the road towards Ray Brook, New York State.
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