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Search Under Way For Missing Backpackers In Glacier National Park

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Published Date

October 14, 2012

A search has been ongoing in Glacier National Park for two backpackers who failed to catch their flight from Montana back to the East Coast as scheduled.

Park officials say they were notified of the two overdue hikers when their families called on Friday to say the two men didn't return home as expected.

It is believed that Neal Peckens, a 32-year-old Virginia resident, and Jason Hiser, also 32, of Maryland, departed from the North Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine last Tuesday. According to their backcountry permit, the men planned to camp at the Oldman Backcountry Campground on Tuesday night and return to Two Medicine on Wednesday, October 10.

Park rangers located the men’s vehicle late Friday, and initiated a search Saturday morning. An aerial search was conducted and six teams of search personnel hiked the area trails and conducted interviews with park visitors in the area. Weather was challenging for search personnel with windy conditions, low visibility, and rain and snow throughout the day. Additional search personnel from other organizations were to join the effort Sunday.

Mr. Peckens is 6 feet tall and approximately 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Mr. Hiser is also 6 feet tall and approximately 200 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. It is unknown what clothing the men are wearing and what equipment they have with them.

Anyone who may have any information or may have been in the area and seen individuals that may meet the descriptions are encouraged to contact the park at 406-888-7805.

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