NORWAY — Norwegian authorities have found American journalist Alec Luhn, a Wisconsin native, alive after he went missing during a hiking trip in southwest Norway.
The Norwegian Red Cross announced in a post on X on Wednesday, Aug. 6, that Luhn was located by helicopter near Folgefonna National Park and is now being taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
His family, who spoke with TMJ4’s Mary Jo Ola via WhatsApp on Wednesday, said he suffered a broken femur after falling off a cliff last Thursday — reportedly the last time he spoke with his wife before setting out on the hike.
She reported him missing on Monday after he failed to board his scheduled flight back to the U.S., according to CNN. Search efforts began early this week.
Watch: Missing Wisconsin native found alive in Norwegian national park
The Red Cross cited difficult terrain, poor visibility, and high water levels as challenges during the search, but noted that weather conditions had improved by Wednesday when rescue efforts resumed.
The operation involved a large team of volunteers, including specialized climbing teams and drones, according to the Red Cross.
Luhn’s family said the 38-year-old's wife was able to access his laptop and journal entries that described his location. The information helped Bergen police determine where he may have fallen and aided search and rescue teams in locating him.
"He had very clearly described the area he was on Thursday last week," Luhn's father, Roger, told TMJ4. "So they could tell where he had been."
"You just pray, and God is good. I can’t believe it," Luhn's mother, Sarah Marie Streed said.
The journalist was flown to a hospital in Bergen for medical treatment.
Luhn's parents expressed deep gratitude for the crews committed to finding their son and for people around the world who showed their support.
"It really makes you believe in humanity. Something like this. Everyone wishing the best, trying for the best hoping for the best," Streed stated.
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