The body of a hiker who was last seen Sunday morning was found Wednesday, Fish and Game officers said. Officials said the body of Emily Sotelo, who would have turned 20 on Wednesday, was found just after 11 a.m. on the northwest side of Mount Lafayette in Franconia. Officials said tracks and items belonging to Sotelo were found at the source of Lafayette Creek. While a plan was underway to focus search efforts in this area, his body was found at 11:15 a.m. A New Hampshire Army National Guard helicopter was able to assist in extracting his body from the area. Sotelo was dropped off Sunday morning at Lafayette Place. campground near Franconia Notch and had not been seen since. She had planned to hike three peaks that day. Officials said the search for Sotelo began Sunday evening and lasted through the night after a family member reported him missing. Researchers were hampered that night by high winds, cold temperatures and blowing snow. Several agencies helped with the search, and other hikers said they were keeping tabs on her. Officials said hiking trails in the White Mountains can be dangerous, especially in the fall and winter. “The biggest lessons learned in a tragedy like this is when you’re hiking in New Hampshire, especially in the White Mountains, be prepared for the unexpected,” said Major David Walsh of Fish and Game. . “Be prepared with knowledge. Know the weather conditions. Dress for the weather conditions. Have extra clothes. Have extra food, water. Have a front map, compass.” They said hikers should also be aware of their limits and know when to turn around and try again another day.
The body of a hiker who was last seen Sunday morning was found Wednesday, Fish and Game officials said.
Officials said the body of Emily Sotelo, who would have turned 20 on Wednesday, was found just after 11 a.m. on the northwest side of Mount Lafayette in Franconia.
Officials said tracks and items belonging to Sotelo were found at the source of Lafayette Creek. While a plan was underway to concentrate search efforts in this area, his body was found at 11:15 a.m.
A New Hampshire National Guard helicopter was able to help pull his body out of the area.
sotelo was filed Sunday morning at Lafayette Place Campground near Franconia Notch and had not been seen since. She had planned to hike three peaks that day.
Officials said the search for Sotelo began Sunday evening and lasted through the night after a family member reported him missing. Researchers were hampered that night by high winds, cold temperatures and blowing snow.
Several agencies participated in the search, and other hikers said they were monitoring her.
Officials said hiking trails in the White Mountains can be dangerous, especially in fall and winter.
“The biggest lesson learned in a tragedy like this is that when hiking in New Hampshire, especially the White Mountains, be prepared for the unexpected,” said Maj. David Walsh of Fish. and Game. “Be prepared with knowledge. Know the weather conditions. Dress for the weather conditions. Have extra clothes. Have extra food, water. Have a front map, compass.”
They said hikers should also be aware of their limits and know when to turn around and try again another day.