Search and Rescue along with local volunteer locate missing hiker

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

WALLOWA COUNTY – (Information from Wallowa County Search and Rescue) At approximately 3:30 pm on August 26, 2024, WCSAR was notified of a missing hiker, likely in the Tenderfoot trailhead area. An incident command team was put in place and 5 teams of searchers, including a K-9 team, were deployed to the area.

While the searchers responded a local pilot, Dick Stangel, assisted by flying over the area with a SAR spotter and they were able to locate the missing subject’s tent, which was well off the trail and not otherwise visible. Searchers responded to that location and found the subject nearby, who was able to hike out with SAR assistance.

Thanks to all who helped with this search including Pullman PD, WCSO deputies and dispatchers, USFS law enforcement officers, and WCSAR callout personnel, field responders and search managers.

A special shout out to Dick Stangel for flying our spotter over the area, which contributed significantly to the successful outcome of this response.