The Northampton County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the hiker who was discovered in a wooded area near the Appalachian Trail in Lehigh Township on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
The individual is identified as 61-year-old Raghu Kodali of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and was found in Northampton County near the Carbon County line.
The commissioner of the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company told 69 News that State Police got a call for a missing person Saturday night.
Northampton County Communications officials confirmed the search was in progress on and near Blue Mountain ski area in Palmerton.
Troopers also found that man's car in the parking lot for the state game lands off of Blue Mountain Drive just after midnight Sunday, according to WFMZ News.
A massive search effort for the hiker lasted over 16 hours.
According to initial reports from first responders, they said the man was a diabetic.
According to the commission of Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company, the man was found at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
K9's found the man just off the trail, into the woods, a little over a mile from his car, according to the news article.
Poor weather conditions and fog also made the search difficult, according to the WFMZ News article.
The cause, and manner of death are pending, according to the coroner's office and no additional information is being released at this time.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Did you know?
What's going on in the Lehigh Valley offers advertising through the website and ever-popular social media (Facebook) pages. Wtih over 81k on Facebook and large engagement, there are many opportunities for small businesses and events to advertise.
Display Advertising, Banner Advertising
Articles, live broadcasts, interviews - videos - Facebook posts, shoutouts, Reels and so much more are available! Everything is custom-created with your business or event in mind!
Numerous testimonials!
Contact: lorilee@wgolv.com
Donations are also appreciated to help with the many costs/time involved to keep What's going on in the Lehigh Valley going each day. Merchandise is also available as a way to support WGOLV.
Without your help, this news publication would not be able to continue.
Thank you!
New WGOLV hoodies are also available!
Many different colors- Each purchase also helps support What's going on in the Lehigh Valley. T-shirts, tanks, and mugs are also available!
More products are coming soon!