Body of missing hiker in Kauai found; May have Lake Tahoe ties

8/11/14 12:30 p.m. update: Former South Lake Tahoe resident Zoe Walker has been identified as the young woman who lost her life after falling into the Hanakoa Stream while hiking. She grew up in South Lake Tahoe and had worked at Jamba Juice at Stateline. She and her sister Amber had recently moved to Kauai to stay with an aunt.

Her friends and family have been leaving words on social media about what a wonderful, caring and free spirit she was.

Original Story:

The body of a 19 year old female hiker was recovered Saturday from the rocky base of Hanakoa Stream on the island of Kauai according to county rescuers.

The young woman and a 24 year old male companion were camping and hiking in the Kalalau Valley during the week and were hiking out on Friday afternoon. The pair were swept downstream while trying to cross the stream but the male was able to swim to shore with minor injuries. After trying to find his companion he hiked out to locate authorities for help.

The identities of the man and woman have not been released but local residents are stating that the 19 year old may have just relocated to Kauai from South Lake Tahoe.

As identities are released, South Tahoe Now will update the story.