Missing Corpus Christi men found dead near Carlsbad Caverns

The father and son reported missing near Carlsbad Caverns National Park were found dead, New Mexico State Police said.

Robert Pluta, 55, and Bobby Pluta, 21, both of Corpus Christi, Texas, checked into a hotel on Wednesday, June 14th. The father and son never checked out of their hotel and their red Ford F-150 was found at a trailhead in Carlsbad Caverns National Park Monday, June 19th.

Police now say search and rescue teams discovered the body of one of the hikers around 10:05 pm Monday, approximately two miles northwest of the caverns.

On Tuesday, the Border Patrol and New Mexico National Guard sent helicopters to assist with the search. Tracking dogs were also deployed in the area, officials said. The body of the second hiker was found at about 10 am Tuesday, officials said.

The investigation continues. Daytime temperatures in the Carlsbad Caverns area have been in excess of one hundred degrees since June 15, 2017.