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Posted by Alicia on January 7, 2008 at 9:32:27 am EST
In reply to Missing Hiker posted by Old Hermit on January 3, 2008 at 11:52:23 pm EST

I am very sad and angry about how this has tragedy has turned out. The loss of this young woman was a senseless act of violence that will be felt by her family, friends, and community forever.

Several years ago another young woman was randomly abducted and murdered from the college (my alma mater) at which I then worked. In an attempt to find an explanation for such a horrendous tragedy we often think that the victim had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, one thing that victim’s mother said in the press stuck with me.

Her daughter was NOT in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her daughter was exactly where she was supposed to be, doing exactly what she was supposed to doing (in that case, in a parking lot getting ready to drive to an early morning doctor’s appointment). It was the perpetrator who was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing.

I think it’s very important to remember that in cases like this as well. It puts the accountability squarely where it belongs.

Being prepared while hiking and backpacking is a big topic around here, but no one (female or male) should ever have to worry about someone else causing them such harm. Sadly for Meredith Emerson and her family this outcome looks like their worst case scenario. Nothing can bring her back, but I hope justice is served and her family and friends eventually find some sense of peace.

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