News

Missing hiker found alive at Joshua Tree National Park

Published May 25, 2018 10:41 PM

Update – 4:00 PM:

Claire Nelson was found alive shortly before 3:00 PM today, according to George Land, the park’s public information officer.

A ranger on scene said Nelson was found with a shattered pelvis and was airlifted for treatment.

Land said Nelson was found thanks to a signal she was able to make that caught the attention of the helicopter.

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Search underway in Joshua Tree National Park for a missing hiker from New Zealand.

According to a news release by the National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior, Claire Nelson, 36, from New Zealand, had told a friend she intended to hike to Lost Palms Oasis and would be back on Wednesday. She has not been in contact with anyone since.

Authorities were notified of Nelson’s disappearance this morning.

Nelson’s vehicle was found in the Lost Palms Oasis/Mastodon Peak trailhead parking area and searchers from the park and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department are currently involved in the search which includes helicopter support.