Tucson man dies, girlfriend rescued in Death Valley National Park
Apr 10, 2021, 4:16 PM | Updated: Apr 11, 2021, 6:27 pm
(Facebook photo/Inyo County Sheriff's Office)
PHOENIX — A Tucson camper has died and his girlfriend has been rescued after they went missing in Death Valley National Park.
The campers Alexander Lofgren, 32, and Emily Henkel, 27, were found in a very remote area of the park, near Willow Creek on a steep ledge, according to a statement from the Inyo Creek Sheriff’s Office.
Lofgren was found dead while Henkel is alive and being given medical treatment.
He was a former staffer for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.
I am heartbroken. I just learned that we’ve lost my former intern and absolutely stellar young man Alexander Lofgren. He had a heart of gold and worked so hard for Arizona and our country. I’m sending so much love to his family and friends. May he rest in power. 💜 pic.twitter.com/Yk41Bal8uj
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) April 10, 2021
The pair were due to return from a camping trip in the national park on Sunday. Authorities were notified on Tuesday that the two were missing.
The sheriff’s office for Inyo County, California initiated a search for the two campers, checking local hotels, monuments and tourist attractions before utilizing aerial and ground support.
On Thursday, Lofgren and Henkel were located using aerial reconnaissance. Due to the extreme location, the rescue team underwent at least one failed hoist operation before reaching the pair the next day.
On Friday, Inyo County Search and Rescue members were able to access the ledge where the missing camper Lofgren was discovered dead. The team transferred custody of the body to the Inyo County Coroner’s Office.
An investigation will follow to determine cause of death.