JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – The bodies of two hikers, believed to be those reported
missing in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, have been discovered.
The National Park Service says bodies matching the description of the Missouri
hikers reported missing in the park last week were recovered Monday along the
Sanford River.
The park service tentatively identified the two as Rochelle Renken and Michael
Huffman, both 62, from Columbia, Missouri. The agency says they were experienced
backpackers and that Renken had prior experience crossing Alaska rivers. The
bodies were sent to the state medical examiner for positive identification.
Evidence suggests the two tried to cross the river near the toe of Sanford
Glacier but were swept away by the powerful current.
The hikers were last seen June 22.
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