Subscribe to our mailing list and consider following WestfordCAT on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for daily updates from Westford’s hometown source for news.
FRANCONIA, N.H. — The body of a Westford hiker who was last seen on Sunday has been found, according to officials.
19-year-old Emily Sotelo planned to hike Mount Lafayette, Mount Haystack and Mount Flume on Sunday. She was dropped off at Lafayette Place Campground at approximately 5 a.m. Sunday morning.
According to officials, the body of Sotelo was found at approximately 11:15 a.m. on the northwest side of Mount Lafayette in Franconia, New Hampshire.
Officials said the search began on Sunday after a family member reported her missing to New Hampshire Fish and Game.
New Hampshire Fish and Game, along with a New Hampshire Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter and the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team among others participated in the search.
“Searchers were hampered by high winds, cold temperatures and blowing snow,” N.H. Fish and Game wrote on social media.
Officials say the temperature on the ridge was near-zero, with wind chills up to minus-30 degrees on Monday.
Local journalism is vital to our communities. As other publications shift focus toward regional journalism, WestfordCAT continues to provide high-quality hyperlocal reporting to our town, free for everyone to read. So — we have a small favor to ask. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us sustain our journalism and keep our community informed. Please consider supporting WestfordCAT for as little as $1 on PayPal.
