A hiker who did not show up at his planned pick-up spot was located and airlifted to safety, Riverside County Sheriff officials reported today.
(Flickr/Andrew Petro)
Worried family members called the sheriff’s department at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday December 30 and reported that their loved one headed out for a six-hour planned hike at 10:30 a.m. near Martinez Canyon Trail in Thermal and never returned.
Sheriff’s officials were assisted by a CHP helicopter and the Riverside County Mountain Rescue Unit in the search of the 50-year-old man from Tucson, Az.
The lost hiker was located just after 6 p.m. on Monday Dec. 31 huddled next to a campfire.
“He was airlifted to safety at 7:30 a.m. this morning and reunited with family members after being evaluated by medical personnel,” Sgt. Robert Castro said.
The man declined further medical treatment.
Hiking enthusiasts are advised to carry proper clothing, water, food, cell phones, maps and GPS devices according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The RMRU website offers numerous helpful and lifesaving tips on their website at www.dssr.org.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact Cpl. Chris Macken at 760-863-8990.
Stephanie D. Schulte is a writer/photographer with SWRNN. She can be reached at stephanie.schulte@swrnn.com.
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