Stanford professor Hunter Fraser missing after not returning from hike
A Stanford University biology professor, who was charged with felony domestic violence, has been reported missing while on a hiking trip in Washington. Hunter Fraser, 44, was scheduled to appear in a California court on June 9 for a preliminary hearing in a criminal case where he is facing a felony domestic violence charge. According to reports, he allegedly threw his girlfriend to the floor and slammed a door on her chest while he played with their daughter, causing her to suffer two fractured ribs. While Fraser was initially charged with a misdemeanor following his arrest last September, the charges were raised to a felony when the District Attorney’s office obtained evidence of the woman’s injuries.
After completing a 40-mile hike trip in Washington’s Olympic National Park on June 5, Fraser was reported missing when park rangers notified the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office of an overdue hiker on June 7. Fraser is described as an “extremely skilled solo hiker” and began his hike at the Deer Ridge Trailhead, which is considered a difficult hike, according to the Washington Trails Association. However, the exact route Fraser took is unknown, making it difficult for rescue teams. Several search and rescue teams from the park and local police departments, including dogs, have been sent out around the area but the National Park Service mentioned the “high country of Olympic National Park is still very much covered in snow.”
While Fraser has denied all allegations against him, stating that he has never faced such accusations, he has asked that people wait for the court process to end before making judgments. “In our current cultural moment, I realize that my words may stir skepticism, but they are the truth,” he added, “allow the process to be fully completed before reaching any conclusions.” Fraser’s sister Whitney has provided updates, asking for anyone with any information to call the sheriff’s dispatch.
FAQs:
Q: What is Hunter Fraser charged with?
A: Fraser is facing a felony domestic violence charge.
Q: Why did the charges elevate from a misdemeanour to a felony charge?
A: The charges were escalated to a felony when the District Attorney’s office obtained evidence of the woman’s injuries.
Q: When was Fraser last heard from?
A: Fraser was last heard from on Tuesday morning when he sent a text to his family.
Q: What is the reason for Fraser going missing?
A: Fraser went missing after completing a 40-mile hike trip in Washington’s Olympic National Park on June 5.
Q: What request has Fraser made?
A: Fraser has asked people to wait for the court process to end before making judgments.
Hunter Fraser, Stanford professor, remains unaccounted for after failing to come back from a hike.
A California professor facing a felony domestic violence charge has been reported missing after going hiking in Washington and failing to return. Hunter Fraser, a biology professor at Stanford University, was due to appear in a California court for a preliminary hearing on the charge related to an alleged incident on July 4, 2022. Court documents said Fraser threw his girlfriend to the floor and slammed a door on her chest, resulting in two fractured ribs. Fraser went on a two-day, 40-mile hiking trip in Washington’s Olympic National Park on June 5 and was reported missing when park rangers were notified of an overdue hiker. Expert hikers and local law enforcement are searching for him. Whitney Fraser, his sister, has asked anyone with information to call the sheriff’s dispatch. Fraser, who denied all allegations in an email to his lab, faces another court appearance on June 28.