NCSU grad, mother found safe in New Zealand
The valedictorian of the December graduating class at North Carolina State University and her mother were found in New Zealand Friday evening, according to authorities in that country.
Posted — UpdatedOfficials said Rachel Lloyd, 22, and Carolyn Lloyd, 45, were found safely by a helicopter crew in New Zealand after hours of searching.
A car being rented by the mother and daughter was found abandoned Friday at the entrance to a hiking trail in the Tararua Range on New Zealand's North Island, police said. The discovery of their disappearance came two days after the mother and daughter failed to check out of their hotel as scheduled.
Family members, the rental company and the hotel had not heard from either of the women on Friday, police said.
Police said the hiking trail is a popular day loop that is steep and can be deceptively difficult in places. Two dog teams were called in to aid in the search for the women, and helicopters and four-wheel-drive were also been deployed.
"One thing about the New Zealand bush is it often takes people unaware," Sgt. Anthony Harmer said. "It's a little bit steeper and a little bit more rugged than a lot of tourists expect or plan for."
"Rachel was really smart," said classmate Daniel Kale. "Everybody loved her. She was real outgoing and really involved in the community."
Police said both Rachel Lloyd and Carolyn Lloyd were taken to a medical facility for examination after the rescue.
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