A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $15,000 (of a $15,000 goal) to be used in the search for a missing hiker on Kauai. 23-year-old Samuel Martinez was last seen on the island on May 14th, two days after arriving on Kauai from Nebraska. His last known whereabouts was in the Waimea Canyon/Kokee area. The funds will be used to continue the search, compensate search teams and offset expenses for volunteers. The GoFundMe appeal reads in part:
“In looking for Sam, we have depended heavily on search and rescue teams and numerous volunteers. Among these are: STAT of Maui (Search Tech Advisory Team), KSAR, Kaua’i Search and Rescue K-9 Team, and OSAR (Oahu Search and Rescue), the Civil Air Patrol, and several experienced local hikers, hunters, and fishermen. These resources have created numerous expenses as we wish to try to compensate the teams, offset expenses for the volunteers, and fund future search efforts for Samuel.”
The organizer of the GoFundMe campaign, Elizabeth Lund (on behalf of the Martinez family), posted an update on June 14th on Sam from the family to share:
“There has been no positive sighting of Samuel since May 14th.
30 days now without contact and 16 days of intense searching now…there has been no banking or iPhone activity at all.
The Kauai PD is continuing to follow up on all available leads. The Kauai Fire Department repelling team has worked for several days now and plan to follow up on an area with potential signs of disturbance,
In the days ahead a local search dog team is planning a trip throughout the valley areas and many waterways.
Please keep Samuel in your prayers and with these kind people as they search.
Thank you-
Ted, Cherie, Logan and Elijah”
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