Virginia man missing in Zion National Park

SPRINGDALE, Washington County — A search is in progress for a Virginia man who has been missing in Zion National Park since Saturday.

Tom Gerhardt, 55, of Chesapeake, obtained a backcountry permit to hike The Subway on Saturday and did not return to his vehicle that night, according to Ron Terry of the National Park Service.

A search began Sunday morning after other hikers reported seeing Gerhardt taking the route into the Left Fork of North Creek area Saturday morning. Rangers have found shoe prints and other marks from two walking sticks Gerhardt was said to have been carrying, along the trail.

Dogs and helicopters are assisting in the search. Anyone with information regarding Gerhardt's whereabouts is asked to call the park's dispatch at 435-772-0178.