JAFFREY — A missing hiker was found safe at Monadnock State Park headquarters on July 4, just hours after he was reported missing by his companions.
Isam Hejazi, 22, of South Easton, Massachusetts, had been last seen around 3 p.m. near the junction of White Dot and White Cross Trails.
According to reports, Hejazi began struggling to keep pace with his group and was left behind.
When his companions realized he was missing, they were unable to find him and contacted park rangers for assistance.
Monadnock State Park Rangers initiated a search of the nearby trails, and when Hejazi was not found, they reached out to New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers for help.
The Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team was also called upon to join the search efforts.
Before the additional search teams could enter the area, Hejazi made his way to the park headquarters and was found uninjured before 5:30 p.m.
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials remind hikers to be prepared and to take responsibility for their own safety while on the trails.
They stress the importance of not hiking alone and of never leaving a member of the group behind, especially if they are having difficulty.
