Hills was reported missing after he failed to return from the Anchorage offices of his employer, where he was last seen on February 24, 2004. Hills truck, a Red 1998 Dodge, was found out of gas and with the keys in the ignition, stuck in a snow berm off the side of Kenai Keys Road. Troopers found footprints leading from the vehicle, through the woods for about one-half mile and up to Feuding Lane where the prints ended. His wallet and cash were on the front seat. Hills had been returning from a trip to Anchorage. A National Guard helicopter and a trooper helicopter were used in the search for Rick and troopers brought in search and rescue dogs from Girdwood to search on the ground. In addition, 10 Central Emergency Services responders assisted in the ground search. Richard grew up on the Kenai Peninsula. He worked as a roughneck onthe North Slope, but always came home to Soldotna, where his longtime
