An Arizona tourist has died and his wife has been rescued after his vehicle had two flat tires and disappeared into Death Valley National Park in California.
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, California. An Arizona tourist died and his wife was rescued Friday after his vehicle had two flat tires and disappeared into Death Valley National Park in California.
Alexander Lofgren, 32, and Emily Henkel, 27, were found on a steep ledge near Willow Creek in the desert park, but Lofgren was dead, according to a statement from Sheriff Inyo Creek’s office.
Henkel was taken to Lemoore Naval Station for treatment and there was no immediate notification of her condition.
Tucson residents, described as experienced campers, were unable to return on Sunday from a camping trip and were reported Tuesday.
Authorities searched hotels and major tourist attractions along a road and checked Lofgren’s itinerary.
On Wednesday, park staff found the missing subaru of the couple. According to the sheriff’s office, a car note read: “Two plain tires, driven to Mormon Point, have three days of water worth.”
This proved to be “a crucial piece of advice for directing search efforts,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
On Thursday, the couple was seen from the air, but crews were unable to board them and were unable to reach the remote area until shortly after 11:30 a.m. Friday, authorities said.
The cause of Lofgren’s death is being investigated.
“This has been a tremendously difficult operation in an unforgiving geographic area in Inyo County, I sincerely hope for the healing and recovery of all involved,” Sheriff Jeff Hollowell said in the statement.
Death Valley, in the Mojave Desert of Eastern California, is one of the hottest, driest places in the world. This week had highs in the 90s.
The rugged park has claimed several lives over the years. In January, an experienced climber descending a canyon rushed to his death when he was caught by a slide.