7/12/10 - Yet another report of missing hikers in the Supes
Posted: Jul 12 2010 4:30 pm
azcentral.com - 7/12/10 - 2:51PM:
Sounds like they're done for.Three hikers have been missing for nearly a week after setting out to find the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in the rugged Superstition Mountains east of Mesa, Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies said Monday.
Family members last heard from the three Utah residents Tuesday, when they left to search for the legendary treasure, Sheriff's spokesman Jeffrey Sprong said.
However, when family members had not heard from the three men, they contacted the sheriff's office, which began its search Sunday.
Family members told deputies that Kurtis Merworth, 49, Ardean Charles, 66, and Malcom Meeks, 41, planned on exploring the area during the day and spending the nights in a local motel. Sprong said that probably means the hikers did not have camping provisions.
Two of the men reportedly have medical conditions, and it is not known if they have their medications with them, Sprong said.
Their vehicle was located in the parking lot and according to Sprong, the car appeared to have been there for a few days.
Helicopters monitored the area Sunday, and a rescue team and volunteers were sent to search on horseback Monday. According to Sprong, the rescue teams, which were forced to take breaks in the excessive heat, had not found any clues.
Rescue teams were sent to find Merworth last year when he became lost on another hike to find the Lost Dutchman's gold, Sprong said. No other information regarding his rescue was available.