US hiker missing for days is found after family calls for help on Facebook, rescuers say

A family called for help on a Facebook group after realising their loved one had been missing for three days from a Hawaii trail, multiple news outlets reported.

Ian Snyder, 34, was eventually found, thanks to help from community members on the social media platform, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

Rescuers began searching for Snyder on Dec 7 after learning he had been missing since Dec 4 from the Pali Notches Trail in Nuuanu on the island of Oahu, the Honolulu Fire Department said in a news release.

But it was a post from Snyder himself that prompted rescue efforts, according to KITV.

The father of three, who blogs his travels for TravelUpdate, posted a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, that helped rescuers find him.

“Current situation,” the post read and included a short video of his ominous surroundings.

“We were just so thankful for that post. That was our starting point because I had no idea he was in Hawaii. He doesn’t always tell me his trips,” his sister, Sara Borgeson, told KITV.

Members of the Oahu Hiking Community Facebook page helped identify the area, and rescuers used Snyder’s last geolocation to begin searching for him, fire officials said and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

Snyder was found 1,000 feet below the Pali Notches Trail by a helicopter, fire officials said. He was given “basic life support” before being airlifted to a hospital.

“There were truly angels surrounding him those 3 days. We are so thankful for the local community there on Oahu, and for the countless people who have been praying for him. Thank you!!” Borgeson wrote, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

The Pali Notches Trail is an out-and-back 0.7-mile long trail with an elevation gain of 462 feet, according to AllTrails.

The hike includes steep ridges, strong winds and requires some climbing, according Oahu Hike. – The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service