American journalist vanishes following a stroll in a Norwegian park
Alec Luhn, an award-winning environmental journalist from Wisconsin, has been missing since last Thursday after embarking on a solo hike in Folgefonna National Park, Norway. Authorities and his loved ones have been actively searching for him since[1].
The 38-year-old journalist, who has worked with prestigious publications such as The Guardian, New York Times, National Geographic, and The Atlantic, reported all the places he would pass through during his trip. However, he failed to return on Monday, prompting his wife, Veronika Silchenko, to raise the alarm[1][2].
Luhn's wife noted that he wouldn't have cell service during his hike as he puts his phone on airplane mode to save battery[3]. His wife's concerns were further validated when he missed his flight on Monday.
Veronik Silchenko stated that her husband, Alec Luhn, is an experienced hiker[4]. Alec Luhn carried all the necessary gear for his hike and received a fellowship from the Ocean Reporting Network of the Pulitzer Center[5].
The conditions in Folgefonna National Park are currently difficult due to rain and wind. Search operations for Luhn were temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to bad weather[6]. The search and rescue operation involves several volunteers, dogs, and a helicopter[7].
As of the latest update on August 5, 2025, the search and rescue operation is ongoing. Key points include:
- Alec was last heard from near the glacier in southwestern Norway.
- He is known to be an experienced and avid hiker, which is why the search includes extensive efforts in the glacier area.
- His disappearance has prompted a coordinated effort involving local authorities and personal contacts.
No further specific details about the current status or progress of the rescue operation have been reported publicly beyond the continuation of the search on and after August 5[1]. For real-time updates, following official Norwegian rescue services or local news sources would be advisable.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/world/europe/alec-luhn-missing-journalist.html [2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/08/05/alec-luhn-missing-journalist-in-norway [3] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2025/08/alec-luhn-missing-journalist-in-norway-phone-airplane-mode/ [4] https://www.theatlantic.com/world/archive/2025/08/alec-luhn-missing-journalist-in-norway-hiker/657641/ [5] https://pulitzercenter.org/fellowship/alec-luhn-ocean-reporting-network-fellowship [6] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59651736 [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/search-rescue-operation-underway-missing-journalist-alec-luhn-norway-2025-08-05/
What is the status of the search and rescue operation for Alec Luhn, the missing environmental journalist who went on a solo hike in Folgefonna National Park, Norway? The ongoing search and rescue operation involves several volunteers, dogs, and a helicopter, currently being hampered by bad weather, particularly rain and wind, which led to a temporary suspension on Tuesday.
