Missing hiker found dead in forest after elderly father dies leading search for son

Updated
Missing hiker found dead in forest after elderly father dies leading search for son
Missing hiker found dead in forest after elderly father dies leading search for son



A hiker from California who went missing within the Gila National Forest in New Mexico died before rescuers could get him to safety, just days before his father passed away while leading the search for him.

Law enforcement officials told AP that Stephen Lockhart was found lying on the ground conscious but with a head wound, possibly from a fall.

He died during the several hours it took paramedics to hike to the remote site where hunters found him.

Stephen was reported missing by his father after getting separated from a friend on 19 October while hiking from a campsite to a lookout point.

Ray Lockhart, 70, lead the search for his son but tragically collapsed at the hikers' camp while searchers were looking for Stephen.

According to CBS Local, Ray suffered a heart attack.

The terrain was described as "moderate to steep and rugged".

Officials said that Stephen's injuries were consistent with a fall.

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