Photo: NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division
The body of a missing Vanderbilt student was discovered Wednesday, days after she was last seen leaving for a campground over the weekend.
Emily Sotelo wasreported missingon Sunday after she didn’t return from a trip to Lafayette Place Campground, according to a post from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief. She planned to hike in the area.
On Wednesday, search teams discoveredthe 20-year-old’s bodyjust after 11 a.m. on the northwest side of Mount Lafayette, an update to the organization’s Facebook page announced.
“Emily had departed on a solo hike of Franconia Ridge on the morning of November 20th,” a statement from NH Fish and Game Conservation said. “When Emily had not returned at the planned time a family member notified NH Fish and Game.”
NH Fish and Game Conservation said a New Hampshire National Guard helicopter was called to help extract Sotelo’s body from the mountain.
Officials did not release additional information about what led to Sotelo’s death. NH Fish and Game Conservation Maj. David Walsh seemed to imply weather conditions may have played a part.
“The biggest lessons learned in a tragedy like this is when you’re hiking in New Hampshire, especially in the White Mountains, be preparedfor the unexpected,” Walsh told news station WMUR.
“Be prepared with knowledge. Know the weather conditions. Dress for the weather conditions. Have extra clothes. Have extra food, water,” he continued. “Have a headlamp, map, a compass.”
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According to NBC affiliate WSMV, Sotelo was majoring inbiochemistry and chemical biologyat Vanderbilt.
Per the news station, the university emailed a list of resources for students “in need of support” following Sotelo’s death.
source: people.com
