Two missing individuals: 32-year-old Alexander Lofgren, and 27-year-old Emily Henkel, both from Tucson, AZ, located.

Death Valley National Park

[*Original SAR press release from earlier today  (8:56 a.m.) can be accessed here: https://www.inyocounty.us/sites/default/files/2021-04/DVNP_SAR_4.8.21.pdf]

4:00 PM Update from Inyo County Sheriff’s Office: The two missing individuals: 32-year-old Alexander Lofgren, and 27-year-old Emily Henkel, both from Tucson, AZ, were located today shortly after noon. They were spotted through aerial reconnaissance in a very remote area of Death Valley National Park near Willow Creek on a very 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 is unclear at this point what condition Lofgren and Henkel are in. This evening an Inyo Search and Rescue technical team will travel to Death Valley National Park and will descend the canyon as soon as they arrive.

The missing white Subaru was located first by Death Valley National Park at approximately 11:00am off of Gold Valley Road

The missing white Subaru was located first by Death Valley National Park at approximately 11:00am off of Gold Valley Road. A note was located 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. The location of the vehicle was not included in Lofgren’s backcountry itinerary.

The search was initiated Tuesday April 6, after Inyo County Sheriff’s Office received notification that Lofgren and Henkel had not returned by their due date of April 4. Lofgren’s backcountry itinerary was thoroughly checked along with every attraction and tourist site along highway 190 with no results.

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies: Inyo County Search and Rescue, The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies: Inyo County Search and Rescue, Death Valley National Park, CalOES, and China Lake Naval Weapons Base for aerial.

The good news is that they have been found. Once again, the incredible efforts of the Inyo County Search and Rescue Team, and the coordination with other agencies has proven how effectively these agencies work together to save lives.

*Original DVNP SAR press release from earlier today can be accessed here: https://www.inyocounty.us/sites/default/files/2021-04/DVNP_SAR_4.8.21.pdf