HomeMy WebLinkAboutHikerFound.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: May 13, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
Missing hiker found dead in Kōke‘e
LĪHU‘E – 50-year-old Moses “Lono” Gardner of Lāwaʿi, who went missing Sunday in the trails off
Miloli'i Ridge Road in Kōke‘e State Park, was found deceased at approximately 3:30 pm at Ku‘Ia Natural
Reserve area in Kōke‘e State Park.
First responders were first dispatched on Sunday evening following a weekend report of a
missing hiker. The search was suspended on Wednesday after search and rescue efforts were
unsuccessful in locating Mr. Gardner.
However, according to a preliminary report, Department of Land and Natural Resource’s
Division of Forestry personnel found a body in the reserve area Thursday afternoon while conducting
routine field operations. Kaua‘i Police Department, Kaua‘i Fire Department, and Kaua‘i Search and
Rescue Team aboard Air 1 were dispatched to the scene. Sadly, further investigation concluded that the
body discovered was that of Moses Gardner. Foul Play is not suspected, and the investigation remains
ongoing.
The body of Mr. Gardner was transported to Wilcox Hospital pending an autopsy.
“We would again like to thank our partner organizations for participating in this joint recovery
effort of Mr. Gardner. We, as a bureau, again convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends
of the deceased. While this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, we hope this information brings closure
to all those affected,” said Investigative Services Bureau Acting Captain Chris Calio.
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