Steven "Steve" Paul Thomas, 19,  was hiking with a group of five college students in the vicinity of Mount Marcy on April 12, 1976. The group was composed of Mark Seymour, James Thackaberry, Ken Sherwood, Robert Bromley and Bruce Weaver. At the last minute, Bruce Weaver had invited his childhood friend, Steven, making a group of six.  Steven left them at about 3:00 PM on 4/12/1976, going alone towards the summit of Mt. Marcy, about 2 miles distance from where he was last seen. He left his backpack with others and had no provisions.