Hunter Fraser, a Stanford biology professor accused of brutally beating his then-girlfriend, was found in Olympic National Park Sunday after “self-rescuing,” according to the National Park Service.
Fraser reportedly exited the park via the Dosewallips River trail on the east side of the park with assistance from other hikers. He was then driven to Quilcene, Washington, where he was met by medical personnel and his family. It’s unclear whether he was injured.
Searchers began looking for Fraser on June 8 after he was reported missing by a family member. The professor had planned a 40-mile backpacking trip through the national park and had been expected to make his return to Seattle on June 7.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s office described Fraser as an “extremely experienced solo hiker,” and “well-equipped.” The multi-day search covered over 70 miles of trails and included air support, dog teams, and a variety of search and rescue agencies.
He had been set to appear in Santa Clara County Superior Court for a preliminary hearing Friday but missed it. He has been charged with inflicting corporal injury. The next hearing is scheduled for June 28.
Fraser, a biology professor and medical researcher, has run the Fraser Laboratory at Stanford.
Source: www.mercurynews.com