LIHU‘E — 50-year-old Moses “Lono” Gardner of Lawa‘i, who went missing last Sunday in the trails off Miloli‘i Ridge Road in Koke‘e State Park, was found deceased at approximately 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ku‘ia Natural Reserve in Koke‘e State Park.
LIHU‘E — 50-year-old Moses “Lono” Gardner of Lawa‘i, who went missing last Sunday in the trails off Miloli‘i Ridge Road in Koke‘e State Park, was found deceased at approximately 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ku‘ia Natural Reserve in Koke‘e State Park.
First responders were first dispatched last Sunday evening following a weekend report of a missing hiker. The search was suspended on Wednesday after search-and-rescue efforts were unsuccessful in locating Gardner.
According to a preliminary report, state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel found a body in the reserve area Thursday afternoon while conducting routine field operations.
Kaua‘i Police Department, Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Kaua‘i Search and Rescue Team aboard the county emergency helicopter were dispatched to the scene. Further investigation concluded that the body discovered was that of Gardner.
Foul play is not suspected, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The body of Gardner was transported to Wilcox Medical Center pending an autopsy.
