Hadi Nazari: Hiker missing in Kosciuszko National Park since Boxing Day found alive
Hadi Nazari, a hiker who has been missing since Boxing Day has been found alive in New South Wales’s Kosciuszko National Park after surviving two weeks in the wilderness, surviving off two muesli bars.
Mr Nazari, a medical student from Victoria, had almost completed a five-day hike on December 26, 2024, when he reportedly left his friends to take a photo. However, Mr Nazari did not return to the Geehi campground where his friends were waiting.
A large-scale search involving NSW Police, the State Emergency Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Ambulance, and volunteers was launched.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Miraculously, on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Nazari was found.
Hikers in the area heard calls from a man shortly after 3pm on Wednesday who told them he had been lost for days and was thirsty.
The hikers alerted police and a nearby helicopter was brought in to winch Mr Nazari from the ground before transporting him to the search command post.
The NSW Rural Fire Service captured the moment Mr Nazari waved at the group of hikers who heard him, before being united atop a mountain, and then sitting together.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE
Mr Nazari has since been reunited with his family, who emotionally embraced their loved one before he entered an ambulance to be taken to hospital for treatment.
Superintendent Andrew Spliet said Mr Nazari had located a small hut, which he had been using for shelter.
Over the two weeks he was missing, Mr Nazri survived off two muesli bars that were in the hut.
“To hear it come over the radio that he’s been located is just fantastic news, it’s just great,” he said.
“His family are very, very happy to have him back.”
Despite being in harsh conditions since Boxing Day, Mr Nazari is reportedly in a healthy condition, mainly suffering from dehydration.
The terrain was described as “dense” and “bloody tough” by rescuers, who searched for 13 days for the missing medical student.
“This is an incredible outcome, after 13 long days he has been located,” Riverina Police District Inspector Josh Broadfoot said.
“We want to thank our emergency services partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public for their assistance.
“We never gave up hope of finding him, and we are elated we can return him safely to his family.”
