Lost Hiker's Shelter Hid Her From Search Crews' Cameras

64-year-old found in Oregon state park on Sunday after hearing helicopters overhead
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 12, 2024 9:21 AM CST

A hiker lost in an Oregon state park for nearly two days without proper survival gear was found safe Sunday by rescue crews. The 64-year-old woman, who was not identified, had become separated from her foraging group inside Shore Acres State Park on Friday. Aware that she did not have proper gear to survive in the wilderness, Oregon State Police asked the Coast Guard to assist with an air search, which was for a time halted due to difficult weather conditions, per CBS News. Coast Guard helicopters ultimately made several flights over the forest on Friday and Saturday, but infrared cameras failed to spot the woman for a reason that only became clear once she was found.

Hearing a helicopter overhead on Sunday, the woman—who'd been sheltering under a log, blocking her heat signature from the cameras—began shouting, catching the ear of searchers on the ground, who bushwhacked through the remote wilderness to reach her, per USA Today. The woman was showing signs of hypothermia and dehydration. It's unclear if she suffered other injuries. She was moved to a location from which she could be airlifted, then warmed by a fire and blankets until a helicopter arrived. The woman was taken to a hospital in North Bend, per the Guardian. Her current condition is unknown. Coast Guard Commander Jay Kircher credited "teamwork" for the "successful outcome." (More Oregon stories.)

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