Missing Hiker Found After Two-Day Search

Date: July 25, 2016
Contact: Kathleen Kelly, [phone]

Missing Hiker Mukunda Egen was located by a helicopter crew at approximately 7:45 pm on Sunday in Denali National Park and Preserve.

Egen, 42, was found in the headwaters of Sanctuary River; about six miles from where he was last seen Friday night.

He was in good condition and was transported to park headquarters where he was evaluated by park rangers and medical personnel.

Egen and a friend were camping at Teklanika Campground and started a day hike from the campground on Friday afternoon. The pair separated at about 11 pm when Egen, who had earlier complained of knee pain, chose a less steep route than his hiking companion. Soon after, the pair lost sight of each other in the fog.

Egen’s companion tried to retrace their route looking for Egen before reaching the campground at 4 am Saturday. She then contacted park rangers.

The search began Saturday at 9 am and involved more than 50 people including ground teams, two helicopters and two search and rescue dogs and their handlers.