The search for a missing hiking duo – a Boulder doctor and his daughter – will continue today in Chaffee County where searchers are hoping for calmer weather.
Dr. Michael Von Gortler, 53, and his daughter, 20-year-old Makana, have not returned from a planned hiking trip on Missouri Mountain.
Family has not heard from the pair in since June 21 and they were supposed to return a week ago.
On Thursday searchers were hampered by thunderstorms that packed strong winds, rain and lightning.
“We’re hoping for a lot better weather today,” said Dave Cotten, a Chaffee County spokesman.
Ground searchers, some with dogs, and two helicopters are part of the search team today, Cotten said.
The helicopters were grounded Thursday by the stormy weather.
Von Gortler’s pickup was found parked at trailhead to the mountain and searchers have been concentrating on the area since.
Cotten said: “We are still optimistic.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
