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Hiker missing in Sweetwater area

Daily Staff Report

SWEETWATER ” A search and rescue operation was launched Friday morning for an overdue hiker in the Sweetwater area just across the Eagle County line in Garfield County.

James Earl Lemon, a tourist and fisherman from Glendale, Ariz., was fishing Thursday afternoon with two friends when he went missing. Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario said Lemon became separated from his party and may have lost his way in the woods.

“We hope he’s just sitting down, waiting for us to find him,” said Vallario.



Horse wranglers started up Sweetwater trails Friday morning, as did tracking dogs. Vallario said the High Altitude Team from the National Guard base in Eagle is also helping in the search.

Vallario said Lemon is in fairly good health, though he’s had some blood pressure problems in the past.

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Vail Daily, Vail, Colorado


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