Nurse swept away by rising waters while hiking in Hawaii
A Chicago nurse who was working at a hospital in Hawaii remains missing nearly a week after she was swept into a river by rising waters during a hiking trip.
Authorities said Kelly Mrowinski and an unidentified male were hiking January 26 near Piihonua Falls in Hilo when they were swept away in a nearby river.
The man was able to make it out of the water, but Mrowinski did not. Authorities said the man is expected to be OK.
Rescuers have been searching the area above Wailuku River in Hilo since Saturday morning, CBS News reports.
Kelly Mrowinski, a nurse from Chicago, went missing in Hawaii after going hiking near a waterfall
Mrowinski and an unidentified male were hiking on January 26 near Piihonua Falls (pictured) in Hilo
Authorities said Mrowinski and her friend were swept away in a nearby river. The man made it our of the water and is expected to be OK
According to Mrowinski's Facebook page, she has been in Hawaii since January 2. She was working as a traveling nurse at Hilo Medical Center. A hospital spokeswoman told the Chicago Tribune that Mrowinski had been working in the pediatrics and surgical units.
'We appreciate Kelly for coming to Hilo to provide care to our community,' Director of Public Affairs Elena Cabatu said. 'This excellent nurse was well-received by her colleagues. Our hopes and thoughts are with the family for the best possible outcome.'
A representative from Aya Healthcare, a California-based company that staffs hospitals across the country with contract nurses, said Mrowinski had been sent to Hawaii earlier in the year.
Rescuers have been searching the area above Wailuku River in Hilo since Saturday for the missing nurse
Mrowinski was a traveling nurse and had been sent to Hawaii on January 2 to work at Hilo Medical Center
A hospital spokeswoman said Mrowinski had been working in the pediatrics and surgical units
The rep also said that they have been in contact with the missing nurse's family and roommate and are offering 'emotional support' and also financial support so they can travel to Hawaii to search for Mrowinski.
'Obviously, we're deeply concerned,' marketing director Erin Stafford said.