ATLANTA — The family of an Atlanta man who went missing while hiking in Guatemala has been found safe, they confirmed to 11Alive.
Zain Waliany, 26, was hiking the Acatenango Volcano near the city of Antigua with friends when they separated. He had been missing since May 21.
On Saturday, Waliany's sister Emen shared their relief with 11Alive, confirming that he was found alive. She said he was being taken to the hospital for treatment.
Hiking Acatenango is described as one of the "must-have" experiences for every nature lover and adventure seeker who visits the Central American country. Waliany's youngest sister previously told 11Alive it's what he'd been planning to do for quite some time.
"He's been super stoked about it," she said. "He's really wanted to hike it and see it."
Waliany and friends arrived in the area late last week and set out on their hike on Tuesday.
Emen said her dad got a call from her brother, who left a message saying he was going on the hike, which would be the last time the family has heard from him.
During the hike, there was a point where Waliany and his friend got separated. His sister said it appears he got turned around or basically lost. They're not sure he was ever able to find his way back to the marked trails.
His friend who was with him waited for some time then turned around after Waliany never showed up at their meeting point. Once Waliany never arrived, his friend then reached out to authorities to get searches started. Emen said her brother's friend, who was hiking with him, also paid locals to help in the search efforts, which had been underway since late Tuesday.
Now, with his safe return, family told 11Alive they are just waiting for him to be treated at the hospital before he would be cleared to come home.
