The body of a Virginia hiker has been found in a steep, rocky area near the continental divide after disappearing into Montana Glacier National Park, according to the National Park Service.
AWARE Foundation
Jennifer Coleman, 34, of Richmond, Virginia, never returned from what appeared to be a solo walk. As many as 50 people joined the search on steep terrain after their vehicle was parked at the top of Logan Pass, officials said. A park service statement says the cause of his death has not been determined. The strong wind on Sunday prevented the recovery of his body by air.
Her parents are leaders of the AWARE Foundation, which advocates for missing persons.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must share this news. Jennifer Coleman, daughter of one of our own AWARE families, Hal and Sharon Coleman, has been located dead,” read a statement posted on the Facebook page of the group based in Roanoke evening. “Please respect the family as they process their pain and loss.”
Coleman’s belongings had been found at his campsite at the West Glacier KOA campsite by sheriff’s deputies conducting a welfare check, Glacier spokesman Brandy Burke said. Searchers began searching for Coleman on Wednesday.
The AWARE Foundation said Coleman was last heard through a text.
“Jennifer sent the text [on August 30] from Highline Trail / Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet in Montana, “according to an email from the Foundation.” The next day he had to pick up his dogs from a boarding establishment, but he never proved them successful. “
Glacier National Park spokesman Brandy Burke told CBS affiliate WTVR that the teams had been searching Thursday and Friday on the ground and in the sky, with the K9 searching among the trees.
Friends told WTVR that Coleman was an experienced hiker.