Missing hiker found dead at Maui waterfall

WAILUKU, Hawaii – A solo hiker who had been reported missing while visiting Maui has been found dead, police said.

Craig Pitt, 35, of Florida had not been seen since around noon Wednesday in Paia, The Maui News reported Sunday.

Pitt’s vehicle was found parked on the shoulder of Maui’s Hana Highway Friday, authorities said. Maui police and fire personnel began searching the bamboo forest area Saturday, officials said.

During a search, authorities found the body of a man at the base of a waterfall. The body was positively identified through fingerprints as Pitt, police said later Sunday. The circumstances and cause of his death are still under investigation but police don’t suspect foul play.

Pitt planned to hike on one of the trails along Hana Highway, authorities said. The 64-mile (103-kilometre) road runs near the coast in eastern Maui and connects Hana with Kahului.

The investigation remains active and Pitt’s family members have been notified, police said.

Meanwhile, volunteers suspended a search Sunday for another missing person, 23-year-old Khiara Henry, according to the Wailuku newspaper.

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Information from: The Maui News, http://www.mauinews.com