Rangers Locate Body Near Glider Wreckage On Mauna Loa

Park rangers received word from Hawai‘i Fire Department officials late on Saturday that wreckage of a glider missing since Friday had likely been spotted at the 9,800 foot elevation on Mauna Loa, about three miles south of Red Hill Cabin. At first light the next morning, rangers flew to the site in a contract helicopter and confirmed the wreckage was that of the missing glider. They also found a body nearby. Located in park wilderness, the wreckage was strewn over a barren ‘a‘a lava flow. The victim’s remains were taken to Hilo Medical Center. Positive identification has not yet been made; an autopsy is pending.