Body Of Missing New Hampshire Hiker Found After Searchers Located Her Tracks
The body of missing New Hampshire hiker, Emily Sotelo, was located Wednesday morning, after a team of search and rescue folks picked up her tracks later Tuesday afternoon.
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Facebook page, Sotelo had set out on a solo hike of Franconia Ridge on Mt. Lafayette at some point on the morning of November 20th.
"When Emily had not returned at the planned time a family member notified NH Fish and Game. Due to the harsh weather conditions, a search commenced Sunday evening and thru the night. Searchers were hampered by high winds, cold temperatures, and blowing snow. Searchers spent the next two days looking for Emily and Tuesday afternoon tracks and items belonging to Emily were located at the headwaters of Lafayette Brook."
The NH Army National Guard helicopter was called in after Sotelo's body was discovered just after 11 AM on Wednesday, to transport her to a nearby Ski Lodge.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game went on to thank the numerous agencies who stepped in to help with the search for Soleto.
According to the Bangor Daily News, despite her parents' account that Sotelo was an avid hiker, authorities believe she was not well enough prepared for the elements.
"Officials said Sotelo was close to reaching her goal of hiking New Hampshire’s 48 peaks above 4,000 feet before she turned 20 but was woefully unprepared for the snow and wind on Sunday. She was wearing a light jacket, hiking sneakers, and exercise pants over long underwear."
Sotelo would have turned 20 on Wednesday.