The search for a missing hiker ended Sunday afternoon after Hawaii County Fire Department personnel discovered a woman’s body in a Waipio Valley river, according to a statement from the department.
The search for a missing hiker ended Sunday afternoon after Hawaii County Fire Department personnel discovered a woman’s body in a Waipio Valley river, according to a statement from the department.
The 22-year-old woman was reported missing at 4:49 p.m. Saturday while on a 25-person group hike to Hiiwale Falls. The Hawaii Police Department on Monday identified the missing woman as Lindsey Nickerson, of Kailua-Kona.
Nickerson was reportedly last seen on a trail leading to the falls. Her belongings were found near Hiilawe River, according to police. The body was found Sunday about 200 yards above the Tea House in the river leading to the falls. She was extricated via Billy Pugh net to a landing zone, according to the statement.
Police are attempting to make positive identification of the body. They do not suspect foul play. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Rescue crews and Chopper 1 had scoured the area from Waipio Valley Road to Hiiwale Falls without finding the woman Saturday. The search was called off a nightfall Saturday and resumed at first light Sunday morning.