Alexander Lofgren an aide to Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D) was found dead after going missing with his girlfriend on a camping trip in Death Valley National Park.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office said it began searching for Lofgren and his girlfriend Emily Henkel on Tuesday after the couple did not return from their trip on Sunday as expected.
Authorities first located their missing white 2018 Subaru Forester on Thursday afternoon at 11 a.m. with a note 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,” according to the sheriff.
The couple was located shortly after noon using “aerial 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 the steep, remote terrain. Authorities were able to extract Henkel and Lofgren Friday afternoon.
Lofgren was found dead, but Henkel was located alive and was flown out for medical treatment. An investigation will soon begin to determine Lofgren’s cause of death.
“This has been a tremendously difficult operation in a very unforgiving geographic area of Inyo County, I sincerely hope for healing and recovery for all involved,” Inyo County Sheriff Jeff Hollowell said in a statement.
Both Lofgren and Henkel were described as “experienced campers.”
“Lofgren is believed to have jugs of water and at least one day’s worth of food as well as camping gear. Lofgren is known for camping in remote areas that are not designated campgrounds,” the sheriff’s office said.
Lofgren, was a caseworker in Rep. Grijalva office and a former U.S. Army combat engineer. He was hired in 2019 as part of the congressman’s Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, according to the Arizona Republic.
“Alex lived a life of service and always put the needs of others first,” Rep. Grijalva said in a statement. “The passion he dedicated to his work each day touched countless lives. No matter the situation, Alex met those he helped with a smiling face, a caring heart and unrivaled empathy.”
