A father and his sons died hiking after they turned on a remote trail in Missouri, CS Monitor reports Jan. 15. The journey was meant to be a surprise from David Decareaux to his wife, Sarah, for their anniversary. Their two sons -- aged 8 and 10 -- were a part of the outdoor adventure. Unfortunately it went terribly wrong.
The father and his two sons wore only light jackets and sweaters when they took the Ozark Trail Sunday. Weather conditions changed drastically when rain and freezing temperatures set in. Their four-month-old yellow Labrador retriever was with them and survived the tragic outcome. When authorities discovered the three of them, the dog was laying next to the father -- who was pronounced dead at the scene. The two boys were transported to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.
On Saturday temperatures were up into the 60s in the area where they hiked. When the father and sons explored the trail, temperatures fell down into the 40s with a sudden burst of rain dropping two-inches. By sunrise Sunday morning, temperatures were in the 20s. The Ozark Trail was reportedly impassable, according to law enforcement. There was no escape in the way of caves or refuge for the three of them. They had a cellphone and flashlight, but both lost power at some point.
Other hikers noticed the father and his sons three hours into their hike and asked them if they needed a ride back. Decareaux declined, insisting they would make it back okay. The three of them died from hypothermia, sheriff confirmed.
Decareaux and the two boys are survived by Sarah and three other children -- ages 12, 4, and 2.
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