ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico State Police say the body of a hiker who fell about 250 feet into a deep canyon east of Alamogordo has been recovered.
They say 19-year-old David Morales was hiking with a teenage friend on the trails adjacent to the Tunnel Vista area when he fell into the canyon about 5 p.m. Thursday.
Police say the teen had to hike back out to get help and waved down vehicles on U.S. 82.
Crews from the U.S. Border Patrol, Otero County Sheriff’s Office and volunteer fire departments from surrounding communities helped State Police start a search and rescue mission.
A Border Patrol helicopter used infrared technology to locate Morales’ dead body Thursday night and rescuers recovered the Alamogordo man’s body Friday morning.
State Police say they’re investigating the death.
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