Community Unites in Search for Missing Hiker Hadi Nazari in Kosciuszko National Park: A Race Against Time

In Kosciuszko National Park, a community of friends and strangers has united in the search for missing hiker Hadi Nazari. Nearly 50 emergency personnel are actively engaged in the operation to locate him, employing their expertise and resources.

A 23-year-old hiker, Hadi Nazari, has gone missing in the rugged expanses of Kosciuszko National Park, prompting an extensive search operation involving both acquaintances and strangers. Hadi, an avid bushwalker from Melbourne, arrived at the park on December 22 for a planned five-day hiking adventure, a trip that unfortunately took an unexpected turn.

During the excursion, Hadi became disconnected from his group while he was capturing photographs near the Hannels Spur Trail, close to Geehi. The last sighting of him was at approximately 2:30 PM on Boxing Day, leading to growing concerns for his safety as the hours turned into days.

Since his disappearance, law enforcement and emergency services have mobilized substantial resources for the search. This past Saturday alone saw the deployment of nearly 50 specialized search operators from various regions within the state. The search area is characterized by its difficult terrain, making the task even more challenging.

Friends and family, along with a multitude of individuals who may not know Hadi personally, have joined the efforts to locate him. Many have traveled from different cities, highlighting the deep impact Hadi has had on those around him. Among those involved are mutual friends Maisum Jafari and Mesum Yawari, who have expressed their concern for Hadi's well-being.

Maisum reflected on the tremendous effort by friends, stating, "People are driving from Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne; he's built a remarkable circle of friends, and we are all united in the search for him." Mesum, sharing a sense of urgency, mentioned that approximately ten of their friends were actively participating in the search, with hopes for more to join as others had commitments to attend to. The sentiment shared among them is mixed with optimism and worry, particularly regarding Hadi's limited supplies.

The support for Hadi's search extends beyond those who know him well. Experienced hikers like Muhammad Khudruj and Nour Barakat, who had initially planned a different hiking route in the same park, opted to shift their focus to assist in the search. "We're absolutely committed to doing our utmost to locate him," stated Mr. Barakat, demonstrating the community spirit that has emerged in the face of adversity.

Police officials, including Acting Superintendent Jill Gibson from the Riverina Police District, have acknowledged the challenging conditions that have hindered search operations. "Over the last nine days, more than 300 individuals have participated in the search, all of whom possess significant skills and training," she commented. The priority remains clear: to find Hadi and reunite him with his family.

Authorities from NSW Police have emphasized that the search efforts will persist, driven by the hope of locating Hadi and addressing the concerns of his family and friends. In this time of uncertainty, the collective determination of friends, family, and the broader community stands as a testament to the impact one individual can have on so many lives, igniting an unwavering commitment to bring Hadi back safely.