INDEX, Wash. — A hiker reported missing from the Blanca Lake area near Index embraced her brother after being brought down from a mountain trail in good condition this weekend.
After being rescued, 18-year-old hiker Nelly Bocharnikova embraced her brother.
— KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) May 9, 2016
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Nelly Bocharnikova, 18, became separated from her group near the Blanca Lake trailhead at around 9 p.m. Saturday.
Search operations began Saturday night.
By 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Bocharnikova was resting in her brother, Nocolay's, arms.
Volunteer search and rescue teams from Everett spent the majority of Saturday night searching for Bocharnikova.
Dozens more arrived Sunday morning from as far south as King County and as far west as Calallam County.
Operations leader Guy Mansfield said snow was a factor in the search. By mid-morning Sunday, searchers found one of Bockarnikova’s footprints.
Four hours later, they found her.
"I'm really happy she's alive and nothing's wrong with her,<strong>"</strong> Nicoly said. "None of her legs are broken, maybe some scratches. I'm really happy. Can't wait to see her face."
The other volunteers were happy too.
Bocharnikova and her friends were novice hikers and made two critical mistakes.
When the group encountered a snow field, Bocharnikova decided not to go any further. Her friends continued on without her.
Bocharnikova became lost while attempting to return to the trailhead.
The group also wasn’t properly dressed for the harsh weather conditions.
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Cox Media Group
