28th July 2017 • Wakefield's most trusted news source • 5 κ
Hikers Found, 1 Dead
By Irving Griswold
The search for two lost hikers has come to an end. The hikers, Michael and Amanda Smith, had set out on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 around noon for a day hike in the general vicinity of the Big East Fork Trail.
The couple had made contact with authorities by cell phone Thursday evening and indicated they were lost and off the trail. They reported they were uninjured and were remaining stationary awaiting rescue.
Multiple search and rescue teams were deployed early Friday morning, but were unable to locate the couple before night fall.
Saturday morning, before the search and rescue teams could be deployed once more, authorities received an anonymous call with the coordinates of the lost hikers.
Authorities arrived to what they described as a "disturbing sight".
The couple had been attacked by an unidentified animal.
Amanda Smith was pronounce dead upon arrival at Wakefield Memorial Hospital, but Michael Smith was still alive and in critical condition.
Being that Friday night was the full moon, authorities are not ruling out the possibility of foul play.
The nature of the attack is under investigation. Authorities are asking all hikers and naturist to be vigilant while out.