37 replies to this topic

[ski3pin]

Latest -

 

4/9/21: An update will be made available once any new information is received. We ask that you keep your comments on this thread both supportive and kind, and be patient – this is a highly technical SAR.

 

[ski3pin]

-Final Press Release-

 

INYO COUNTY, CA, APRIL 9, 2021, 3:30pm- At approximately 11:40am today Inyo County Search and Rescue team members were able to access the remote and steep ledge where missing campers Alexander Lofgren and Emily Henkel were located yesterday via aerial reconnaissance in the Willow Creek area of Death Valley National Park (DVNP).

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Alexander Lofgren is deceased; custody was transferred to the Inyo County Coroner

 

[rando]

That is very sad.   Any news Ms Henkel?  

[AWG_Pics]

Very unfortunate. Ms Henkel must be devastated.

 

"Emily Henkel, 27, was rescued and flown to Lemoore Naval Air Station in Kings County, California. There is no update on her status."

Edited by AWG_Pics, 10 April 2021 - 12:44 AM.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Very sad news.

Frank

[Lighthawk]

How sad!  All we can do is learn from this event, and offer our support and condolences.

I used to read Accidents in North American Mountaineering for the same reasons.

[ski3pin]

How sad!  All we can do is learn from this event, and offer our support and condolences.

I used to read Accidents in North American Mountaineering for the same reasons.

We also have a stack of Accidents in North American Mountaineering, one published each year. Years ago there was also Snowy Torrents (if my memory's correct) that covered yearly avalanche events.

 

We hope Ms. Henkel survives and recovers. We can only imagine what this ordeal was like. Condolences to family and friends. Vacations should not end like this.

 

So sad.

[craig333]

I was hoping for a better outcome of course. Very sad. I've never explored this part of DV so I read up a bit here.

 

https://www.american...llow-creek.html

[AWG_Pics]

We hope Ms. Henkel survives and recovers. We can only imagine what this ordeal was like. 

 

 

A life altering event, for sure. Hopefully some good will ensue. One never knows.

[Foy]

 Did they decide to descend Willow Canyon to reach Mormon Point and pavement? A very bad idea. Descent of Willow Canyon from Willow Springs requires multiple rappels.

 

_______________________________________________

 

What a horrific experience and what a sad outcome. Sincere condolences for the families of all involved.

 

There is now a natural reach for what may be learned from this---lessons which may save lives in the future. It will be helpful to learn of what the hike out plan was. Several of you fellows know the area and from the sound of your comments, the destination chosen was one fraught with difficult if not impossible to traverse topographic obstacles.  Makes me think they had some sort of two-dimensional digital map (......headed to Mormon Point......) but no topographic map which should have indicated the topographic difficulties of the route.

 

If the above was generally the case, it goes back to my mantra:  There is no complete substitute for a topographic map, a compass, and the ability to use them.

 

From his surviving spouse's testimony, the late Albert Chretien took his new GPS with him as he sought to hike from his stuck vehicle to Mountain City, NV back in March 2011. Some 18 months later, his remains were found by elk hunters high on the flank of Mahogany Mountain around 2,500' in elevation higher than his starting point just off of Meadow Creek. Speculation is that he attempted a straight-line hike out, and ascending brought him into deeper snow which exhausted him and ultimately claimed his life. 

 

Mr. Chretien's GPS had already provided impetus for him to attempt a shortcut from I-84 near Mountain Home, ID to Jackpot, NV, a series of unimproved roads over two passes at over 8,000', roads not maintained in winter. After becoming marooned, likely it then led him astray a final time.

 

Foy