Overdue hiker found injured in Hatcher Pass area after 2-day search

Update:

A hiker in the Hatcher Pass area who did not return Sunday from an overnight trip was found by searchers Tuesday afternoon and flown by the Alaska National Guard to a hospital for treatment of injuries, Alaska State Troopers said.

Roberto Zapata, 60, was found near Bomber Glacier, which had been his original destination. Troopers did not immediately provide further details, including the nature of Zapata’s injuries or his condition.

Original story:

PALMER — Authorities were searching Tuesday for a hiker in the Hatcher Pass area who did not return from an overnight trip, Alaska State Troopers say.

The hiker, identified as 60-year Roberto Zapata, left Saturday morning with plans to return Sunday evening, troopers said. Zapata’s vehicle was located at the Reed Lakes trailhead, they said.

He was reported overdue at 12:45 a.m. Monday after leaving Saturday for “an overnight hike” to Bomber Glacier, troopers spokesman Austin McDaniel said in an email. The hike to the glacier, which is accessible from Upper Reed Lake, can be challenging.

Zapata is described by friends as an experienced hiker.

A search began Monday involving troopers, including a helicopter crew, and the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. Teams found no sign of Zapata, troopers said.

The search was continuing Tuesday with about 20 professional volunteers from the mountain rescue group, MAT+SAR and the Alaska Incident Management Team, McDaniel said. No additional assistance was needed from private volunteers, he said.

Anyone with information about Zapata’s current location who has not contacted law enforcement was asked to call troopers at 907-352-5401.