Tag Archives: Search and Rescue

Local News

MOUNT WHITNEY SEARCH ENDS IN TRAGEDY

Missing hikers body found in Sequoia National Park

July 26th
by Seth Conners

After a five day search that involved nearly 100 people, 2 search dogs, and 4 helicopters, the body of missing hiker John Lee was spotted last Sunday afternoon by a search helicopter in Sequoia National Park.  The 68 year old hiker from Mentone California was discovered at the base of the SouthWest slope of Mt. Whitney at approximately 12,500 feet in elevation.
Lee and several of his friends began the hike on Monday July 18th at 4am and had planned to return to their vehicle at the trail head by days end.  The group had intended to follow the Mountaineers Route, but after becoming concerned for their safety they decided to stop and sleep near the top of the Whitney Russell pass about a half mile from the Mount Whitney summit.
on Tuesday Morning three members of the hiking party stayed behind while Lee continued on.  Later His companions saw his backpack “hanging” on a granite ledge.  After waiting for several hours, his group believed they would meet Lee at the car and descended the mountain with the assistance of several experienced hikers that they met along the way.  They returned to the trailhead around 10pm on Tuesday to no sign of their missing companion.
The search began on Wednesday and went on until Sunday when the body of the missing hiker was discovered.
Lee’s remains have been transferred to the Tulare County Coroner’s Office.  The cause of death is under investigation.

Cover Photo
by Gary Young Photography

MT WHITNEY, SEARCH AND RESCUE, LONE PINE, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, INYO COUNTY SHERRIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Local News

Mono County Search and Rescue

Orange man Lost, now he is found

Written and reported by: Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer, Mono County Sheriffs Department

On the evening of Monday, July 13, 2015, at approximately 8:40PM, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding an overdue day hiker near the Sherwin Creek campground.

A male day hiker, age 44, from Orange, California, set out on a day hike around 2:30PM. The hiker wasn’t expected to be out for long, and when he didn’t return when he said he would, the family became concerned. The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was dispatched to help in the search for the overdue day hiker near the Sherwin Creek campground. After securing the overdue hikers campsite for tracks, two SAR teams started searching nearby dirt roads and spoke with nearby campers to see if anyone had seen the overdue hiker.

The hiker had walked to a familiar place but had found himself turned around when he tried to return to his campsite. Realizing he was lost, he tried to hale down some motorists and knocked on an RV’s door but no one would help. Eventually he walked towards a light which put him at the closed-up YWCA Camp. The caretaker of the camp had previously spoken with one of the SAR teams, so when she found the overdue hiker, she gave him food and water, as he was very dehydrated and shivering, and called 911. The SAR team returned to the YWCA Camp and safely returned the overdue hiker to his family.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team uses this successful rescue as a reminder to always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, even if it is just for a small day hike or walk.

mono county california, mono county sheriffs department, search and rescue

Community News, KIBS/KBOV Announcements, Local News

SAR Team Aids Lost Hikers Near Red’s Meadow

Search & Rescue Team Operation: Aid to Lost Hikers Near Red’s Meadow

To:                          All Media Partners
 
From:                    Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer
 
Date:                     August 13, 2014
 
RE:                          Search and Rescue Team Operation: Aid to lost hikers near Red’s Meadow
On the evening of Tuesday, August 12th, 2014, at approximately 5:30pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call regarding two lost hikers out of Red’s Meadow.
Two hikers were on a day hike from Red’s Meadow to Rainbow Falls. On the return trip from Rainbow Falls to Red’s Meadow, the hikers took the wrong trail and became lost. One of the hikers was diabetic and did not bring any medication on the day hike.  The hiker was beginning to feel chilled and other negative effects of the diabetes, and since they were lost, wasn’t sure how far they could continue hiking. The other hiker had cell phone reception and was able to call 911 and give their location near Pond Lily Lake, about 5 miles south of Red’s Meadow.
The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team was called to aid the lost hikers. Six SAR team members staged at Minaret Vista. Due to the medical circumstance, and the hikers remote location, attempts were made to get air support for the rescue. A 551 helicopter from Yosemite National Park was available to assist the SAR team. The helicopter crew was able to fly to the hikers location, land and transport them to the SAR base at Minaret Vista. The diabetic hiker was assessed by Mono County Paramedics and required no further medical treatment. The hikers were taken to their vehicle parked near Mammoth Mountain.
The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team reminds anyone traveling in the backcountry, even if just for a day hike, to always be prepared and carry adequate supplies, including any medications. It is important to be aware that is might take search and rescue teams time to come to your aid if you are lost, injured or ill.
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Search & Rescue Team Operation: Aid to Lost Hikers Near Red’s Meadow

https://www.kibskbov.com/aid-to-lost-hikers-near-reds-meadow/
Search and Rescue / Operation / Lost Hikers / Red’s Meadow /Aid / Mono County / Eastern Sierra / Mono County Sheriff’s Office