New information is emerging in the tragic death of a camper and rescue of his stranded, severely injured wife in California’s Death Valley National Park earlier this month.
A GoFundMe campaign supporting the family shed new light on the incident, which resulted in the death of 32-year-old Alexander Lofgren. His wife, 27-year-old Emily Henkel, was rescued last Friday from atop a steep ledge in the park, said the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office.
"Rescuers, family, and friends were devastated to discover that Alex had passed away trying to make it through Willow Creek Canyon to the nearest road for help, and that Emily had suffered a severe foot injury requiring surgery," the GoFundMe description said.
Contributions to the fundraiser "are directly supporting Emily and Alex’s family, and helping to relieve them of financial stress during this difficult time."
Funds will go to rescue efforts, medical expenses and a memorial service.
The Tucson, Arizona residents were reported missing last Tuesday after they failed to return as expected three days prior from a camping trip in the park. Their car, found with two flat tires, was discovered the following day. A note inside the Subaru said the campers were headed to Mormon Point with water that would only last them three days.
They were spotted by air on Thursday in a "very remote" part of the park, but rescuers could not immediately reach them. Henkel was flown to a nearby Navy air base for medical treatment.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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