27-year-old Emily Henkel with her late-fiancé, 32-year-old Alexander Lofgren, who died during a fall while the couple was visiting Death Valley
Finally, thanks to one of our readers, Kristine MacKenzie, who was so affected by the story of the missing couple from Tucson in Death Valley in April, that she continued to follow it. She contacted Sierra Wave so we can share this podcast from 2 weeks ago on what really happened during the tragic story in the words of the surviving partner, 27-year-old Emily Henkel.
In a two-hour podcast on a local Cincinnati radio station, 27-year-old Emily Henkel gives an amazingly compelling account during which she recounts the details that resulted in loss of her fiancé, 32-year-old Alexander Lofgren, and how she sustained the serious foot injury while attempting to go to his aid after he had fallen 70-feet down the side of a cliff, sustaining fatal injuries. It’s an amazing story of perseverance lasting over six days until her helicopter rescue on Friday, April 9.
The couple were first reported as missing to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office on April 6, 2021. Following is a listing of the articles and updates Sierra Wave posted on the story from the beginning:
- Missing Individuals In Death Valley National Park Found – Multi-Agency SAR Update
- Latest Information on Tucson Couple’s Fatal Death Valley Camping Trip
- Sad Ending for One of Missing Individuals In Death Valley National Park Rescue
One of the most difficult jobs of a journalist and doing daily newscasts are the stories that involve serious injuries or even death such as this one, and the others Sierra Wave regularly seems to be reporting on. It requires some sensitivity in following up if for no other reason than these are real people, with friends and family that are deeply affected by the outcomes. Sierra Wave reached out the brother of Emily Henkel after her rescue, not for comment, but rather to simply express our own and our readers’ and listeners’ sympathy, condolences, and concern for his sister and the family.
27-year-old Emily Henkel
The podcast is featured on Hubbard Radio titled Emily Henkel – You did it. *Live recording from Fretboard Brewing Company on June 7th 2021* by Natalie Jones on Q102 Cincinnati, WKRQ.com. It is a compelling 2 hours and 6 minutes long podcast which answers many of our readers/listeners questions.
There is also this link provided to Emily Henkel’s Instagram account on which she shares photos and shared emotions.
We hope you agree that this is an astounding follow-up to the story. Please feel free to share your comments. And thanks to our readers and listeners for listening and sharing information.
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Agree with the other comments regarding proper tires, ply rating, repair kit, mini compressor. I always bring my Zoleo satellite text message device
Like sugarmags I was in Death Valley, hiking the next canyon over (Sidewinder) while Emily and Alex were high above. Also camped on the access road to Gold Valley the night before so pretty familiar with layout. Once the news broke I looked every day to get details because it was pretty hot where we were and the rocks look pretty brutal to be descending from on high. Just found this podcast on August 2 and only listened to half an hour so far but so glad she survived and that some news outlet followed up for the curious.
Thank you to Sierra Wave Media for following up on this story! This is a rare example of true journalism. My hiking companion and I have discussed this situation extensively, trying to learn. We had previously been in the canyon in which the fall happened as well as Sheep Canyon, the next canyon to the west. We have books and maps. This audio record filled in some gaps for us. We feel we have learned a lot, and this could just save our lives. Thanks again Sierra Wave Media.
Forgot to mention, the biggest lesson learned here should be about tires. People are always asking…I drive a xxxx, can it make it on this road??….when the key item is actually their tires. P rated tires have such a high likelihood of getting a flat on remote DV roads. I know this story was hers to tell, and I enjoyed hearing her story, and the last thing on her mind is probably about what got them in that mess to begin with. I also travel with fix a flat and a mini air compressor….which I’ve learned can help you get down the road a ways, even with a sidewall puncture.
I was in DV when this happened, it brought up so many questions. I appreciated hearing her story. They had a decent idea, to carefully check out options before making a decision. Unfortunately, he took too big of a risk while scouting the options. I travel these roads, although I’ve never been on the one they were on, with one spare. Makes me think about finding a way to carry an extra spare. I guess one option they didn’t consider was driving on one rim. I wonder how far you can get on one rim? 20 miles to pavement, I imagine they could’ve carefully made some distance on the rim. Also reinforces the need to go slow and have 100% focus on the road. Some rocks are hard to see.
yeah, why not drive back as far as possible, even on rim, then walk the rest. less risky since it’s at least the known route. also, how rare to get 2 flats simultaneously, did they ever find out the cause? incredible story in all regards,
I read the background story and then listened to the podcast. Wow! She is really lucky to be alive! Thank god for the search and rescue people, although it was a close call. So happy she is alright. Brave gal who looks like she is handling it pretty well. Family and friends help.