After a three-day difficult search by multiple agencies for a missing couple of campers across a treacherous area of Death Valley, authorities announced Friday that hiker Alexander Lofgren is dead, and his girlfriend Emily Henkel has been rescued.
“This has been a tremendously difficult operation in a very unforgiving geographic area of Inyo County, I sincerely hope for healing and recovery for all involved,” said Inyo County Sheriff Jeff Hollowell.
Both 32 year-old Alexander Lofgren, and girlfriend 27 year-old Emily Henkel, both from Tucson, Ariz., were described as experienced campers, per the County Sheriff. Lofgren was believed to have jugs of water and at least one day’s worth of food as well as camping gear, and was known for camping in remote areas.
The couple left Helendale, Calif. for a camping trip in Death Valley and were due to return Sunday, April 4.
On Tuesday, April 6, after receiving notification that the couple had not returned by their due date, all hotels in the Death Valley National Park were checked by authorities. A “be on the lookout” was also issued to CHP for the hikers' white 2018 Subaru Forester with Yakima roof rack.
Additionally both were left messages on their cell phones to contact the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible, though both calls went straight to voicemail, per the Sheriff's Office.
On Wednesday the entire Death Valley Highway was scoured, and every monument and attraction along the route checked. Lofgren had entered a backcountry registration log listing their destinations while they were in the park, and each was checked to no avail.
On Thursday morning the missing white Subaru was located off of Gold Valley Road with a note in the vehicle that read, “Two flat tires, headed to Mormon Point, have three days’ worth of water.” This note proved to be a crucial tip in directing search efforts.
Later on Thursday the couple were finally spotted through aerial reconnaissance in a very remote area of Death Valley near Willow Creek, on a steep ledge.
A hoist operation was attempted, but due to the extreme location the two team members who rappelled down were unable to reach Lofgren and Henkel. It was still unclear at that point what condition the hikers were in.
The tragic news that Lofgren was found dead came through on Friday morning after Inyo County Search and Rescue team members were able to access the remote and steep ledge where the missing campers were seen from the air.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Alexander Lofgren was deceased and transferred to the Inyo County Coroner. An investigation will follow to determine the cause and manner of death. Emily Henkel was found alive and flown out for medical treatment by Lemoore Naval Air Station.
"Hello family and friends. My sister Emily is safe and sound," Henkel's brother Chris said on Facebook Friday. "Please give my family privacy right now and refrain from sending us messages. Thank you. Much love to all for the care and support."
Photos shared by Inyo County Sheriff's Office on Facebook showed the hikers and their vehicle and dogs.
SFGATE reached out to Death Valley's Public Information Officer but had not received a response at time of publication.
