Sumpter man located safe after search
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, September 13th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories More Top Stories
BAKER COUNTY – (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On September 4, 2021 at approximately 7:05 p.m., a disabled vehicle was located at McCully Forks campground. U.S. Forest Service law enforcement was unable to locate the operator. Baker County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch confirmed that the vehicle belonged to Thomas Samuel Williams (79 yoa) of Sumpter.
Family members of Williams were contacted and shared that Williams left earlier in the afternoon to go to Baker City and that he suffers from medical issues. The Baker County Search and Rescue Team was activated at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Search and Rescue volunteers, and U.S. Forest Service law enforcement along with family members and friends of Williams began searching the area near the vehicle. At approximately 9:44 p.m., Williams could be heard yelling and was located just over a mile from his vehicle. Searchers were able to reach Williams and determined that he was uninjured but unable to walk out. Williams was placed on a litter basket and transported back to the vehicle where family members were waiting for him.
The Baker County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the quick response from the U.S. Forest Service, Search and Rescue volunteers, as well as the assistance provided by the family and friends of Mr. Williams.
