Relatives Of Missing Hiker To Join Japan Search
PORTAGE (WWJ/AP) - Relatives of a western Michigan hiker who is missing in Japan are planning to join the search for him on Mount Fuji.
Matt Johnson's father and a brother-in-law were scheduled to travel to Tokyo this weekend, according to a post on the "Please pray for Matt Johnson" Facebook page.
"It takes over 24 hours to get there," wrote a woman identifying herself as Johnson's sister. "After meeting and collaborating with the police department and rescue team, the tentative plan is to begin the search on Wednesday night."
The post also thanked people for their prayers.
The 33-year-old Johnson was last seen Jan. 13, and his car was later found parked at Mount Fuji. The software engineer for Eaton Corp. is from Portage, about 50 miles south of Grand Rapids. Johnson, described as an avid hiker and outdoorsman, left the states on Jan. 8 for a business trip to Japan.
Earlier searches have failed to turn up Johnson or his body. Heavy snow on the 12,388-foot peak has hindered some searches.
TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
