Alexander Lofgren, a case worker in the office of Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva, and a former U.S. Army combat engineer, was found dead after disappearing with his girlfriend on a camping trip in the Valley of Death.
Authorities began searching for Lofgren and his girlfriend, Emily Henkel, on Tuesday after the two, described as experienced campers who often cross remote areas, did not return from their trek on Sunday as expected.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday that authorities had been able to locate Lofgren and Henkel the day before air reconnaissance. They were in a “very remote area of Death Valley National Park,” perched on a steep ledge.
A rescue attempt failed Thursday due to steep, remote terrain. Authorities were able to extract Henkel and Lofgren on Friday afternoon; It appears that Lofgren was found dead, while Henkel has been hospitalized. An investigation will soon begin to determine the cause of Lofgren’s death.
Inyo County Sheriff Jeff Hollowell said in a statement: “This has been a tremendously difficult operation in a geographical area of Inyo County, which does not forgive. I sincerely hope for the healing and recovery of all involved. “.
After the couple’s disappearance was notified on Tuesday, investigators walked the Lofgren route outdoors and checked all the attractions and tourist sites along the way, to no avail.
“Both Lofgren and Henkel are described as experienced campers,” the sheriff’s office said Thursday when the search was underway. “It is believed that Lofgren has jugs of water and food for at least a day, in addition to camping gear. Lofgren is known for camping in remote areas that are not designated as campsites.
Later Thursday, the couple’s white Subaru was found near a national park road, in an area that was not on its route, with a note inside that read: “Two flat tires, aimed at Mormon Point, they have three days of water worth. ”
The two were finally found two miles from this destination, the Republic of Arizona reports. It is unclear what exactly happened to the couple.
Lofgren served four years in the U.S. Army and worked in the Grijalva District Office, which represents Arizona’s Third District. He Republic of Arizona reports that Lofgren arrived on board in 2019 as part of the Wounded Warriors Project, following his service in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, during which he was deployed to Afghanistan.
“To know Alex was to know someone who loved life, who loved his family and who loved helping others,” Grijalva said in a statement Friday. “Words cannot begin to describe the void that this immeasurable loss leaves in the hearts of his colleagues and family.”
“Alex lived a life of service and always put the needs of others first,” Grijalva continued. “After serving our country in Afghanistan, he returned to Arizona to serve veterans here in southern Arizona as a case worker in my office. The passion he devoted to his work every day touched countless lives. Regardless of the situation, Alex knew who he helped with a smiling face, a caring heart and unparalleled empathy.