OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Members of the family of missing hiker Laura Macke said they have been told she is not expected to be found alive, so the search has been limited.
The National Park Service has not suspended the search, said Meagan Huff in an email late Thursday afternoon.
“Search efforts will continue in a limited and continuous operation,” she said.
A family member posted on the “Laura Macke Search & Rescue” Facebook page late Thursday morning that “Search and Rescue has determined Laura’s survivability is not expected. Limited Continuous Searching will occur as technology and weather conditions align.”
The post also said: “The family would like to thank Olympic National Park, the many Search and Rescue (personnel) and you for your support in this difficult time. We will not be fielding additional questions at this moment.”
Macke, 35 — who was visiting from Vermont — was reported missing Nov. 2 after she didn’t return by Nov. 1 as she had told her family. Her park permit was good until Oct. 31.
Macke was traveling solo with an intended route to Enchanted Valley.
Officials asked the public for information. Anyone in the area of Lake Quinault, Graves Creek or Enchanted Valley between Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 is asked to call or text the tip line at 1-888-653-0009, submit a tip online at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, or email nps_isb@nps.gov.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.
