Authorities in California are searching for Marine 1st Lt. Matthew Kraft, who went for a hike in the Sierra Mountains at the end of last month.

California authorities say Kraft, 24, left for a 195-mile hike and has been missing ever since. Friends and family called for an air and ground search after he failed to return last week. Rescue crews have been battling heavy snow, winds and visible avalanches.

Kraft's parents left Washington, Connecticut, where he is from and headed out to California last week.

Connecticut First Selectman Mark Lyon says his town is very closely watching the search efforts.

"He was raised locally and well-liked, and we're all hopeful and pray for the family and for a good outcome," says Lyon.

Kraft has been an outdoors person all his life. Authorities say he had a detailed itinerary that was reported to several people.

Anyone wishing to help the search efforts can send a donation to the Matthew Kraft GoFundMe Page.