Missing Vienna-Based Doctor Found

UPDATE: Neal Peckens and Jason Hiser were found by rescue crews in Glacier National Park around 5:30 p.m. EST. 

"The men are doing well with no injuries. They were flown out of the backcountry and met family members anxiously awaiting their return," Glacier National Park wrote in a news release.

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Rescue crews found a Vienna-based animal surgeon who went hiking through Glacier National Park in Montana last week and missed his flight Friday.

"The two missing hikers, Neal Peckens and Jason Hiser, have been located! Initial information indicates they are well and will be returning to their families!" Glacier National Park reported on its Facebook page.

Neal Peckens, 32, of Herndon, is a cardiovascular animal surgeon with Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates and spent most of his time working out of The Hope Center in Vienna.

Peckens and Jason Hiser, 32, of Maryland, were reported missing by their family members over the weekend, reports the Huffington Post. Park officials had about 50 searchers looking for the pair.

"Neal is an extremely compassionate, smart and resourceful person. We are maintaining positive thoughts and prayers for a quick and safe return home for both him and Jason Hiser," Kathleen Newbold, director of CVCA, wrote in an email to Vienna Patch before the pair was found.

The weather in the area the two went missing is a challenge, with a foot and a half of snow on the ground, steep terrain and high winds. They began their hike last Tuesday.

Huffington Post reported the two men were supposed to catch a flight home Friday. Their vehicle was found later Friday, and the search began Saturday.

A park spokesperson told media they are unsure if Peckens and Hiser were prepared for cold weather, and believe they were there for hiking, not mountain climbing.

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