Californian Hiker Found Two Weeks After Disappearing At Zion National Park

A California hiker was found in Zion National Park on Sunday two weeks after she went missing. Her family confirmed on Sunday that Holly Courtier, 38, was found by the National Park Service search and rescue teams after receiving a tip from park visitors that they had seen her somewhere inside the park.

Courtier’s family said they were overjoyed to know that she had been found alive and safe. “We would like to thank the rangers and search teams who relentlessly looked for her day and night and never gave up hope,” said her family in a statement.

“We are also so grateful to the countless volunteers who were generous with their time, resources, and support. This wouldn’t have been possible without the network of people who came together,” the family added.

Kailey Chambers, Courtier’s family, traveled to Zion to help authorities search for her missing mother. On Saturday, she told reporters she was worried when she had not heard from her mother for well over a week because she would usually talk to her every day.

“This was her dream, to see national parks,” she said. “She lost her job as a nanny due to COVID-19. The family could not afford to keep paying her. She made that a positive thing—said that gave her the time to get out, see the parks,” she added.

She described Holly Courtier as an experienced hiker and fighter but appealed for help from other hikers to find her. “If I could say anything to her, I would say just keep fighting,” she said.

Holly Courtier was last seen entering the Zion National Park on Oct. 6. The National Park Service said she had just gotten off a shuttle van at the Grotto area stop that leads to Zion hiking trails when she disappeared.

Meanwhile, Zion National Park thanked those who had helped in the search for Courtier, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, K-9 units, search teams and rangers from other parks, and volunteers.