Austin firefighter Devin Paez has been reported missing while hiking in Oregon, Austin Fire officials said Friday.
Paez was with a group of friends, including two other Austin firefighters, when he disappeared west of Portland, officials said.
The two firefighters and other emergency workers in Oregon are involved in the search for Paez near the Larch Mountain Trailhead, officials said, and Paez’s family has been notified. The Fire Department confirmed on its Facebook page Paez’s disappearance and asked the public for its support during the search.
“We will share updates as we can confirm details. In the meantime, we would greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Devin to be found safe and sound, and for his family as they await word,” the post said.
Portland TV station KOIN reported that Paez, 26, was heading back down from the hike ahead of the group, but when they got to the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead he wasn’t there.
According to his Facebook page, Paez was a rookie firefighter who had completed his academy and probationary training in May.