A 70-year-old man has been found safe nearly a week after going missing while on an off-road trail in California, authorities said Wednesday.
Warren Elliott got lost after walking away from his group while on the Rubicon Trail in Placer County Friday afternoon, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. He was a passenger in his son’s Jeep and was with a group doing trail rehab ahead of an upcoming Jeep jamboree, the sheriff’s office said.
Following a dayslong search in tough terrain, Elliott was found “safe and uninjured” Wednesday morning at Hell Hole Reservoir, the sheriff’s office said.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office released this photo of Warren Elliott, taken on the day he went missing on July 19, 2024.
Placer County Sheriff’s Office
Elise Soviar, a spokesperson for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, said Elliott was airlifted out of the area by helicopter. The remote region, located west of Lake Tahoe, is accessible by road, though a helicopter was the quickest way to evacuate him, she said.
It was not immediately clear how far Elliott traveled after getting lost on the trail and who found him, she said.
“This is a tremendous relief for Mr. Elliott’s family and friends,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post. “A heartfelt thank you to all the search and rescue teams who tirelessly assisted from across the state.”
The sheriff’s office said they were also “immensely grateful to Jeepers Jamboree,” who provided food, drinks and a place to camp overnight amid the search.
Searchers from multiple agencies and organizations are involved in the search, which also used drones and dog teams, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Rubicon Trail is an approximately 22-mile-long route near Lake Tahoe that features a popular off-highway vehicle trail.
A 70-year-old man has been rescued after being missing for nearly a week on an off-road trail in a remote area. The man, who has not been identified, was reported missing by his family after failing to return from a solo hiking trip.
According to authorities, the man had set out on the off-road trail last Monday and was expected to return by the end of the day. When he did not return, his family became concerned and contacted local authorities. A search and rescue operation was immediately launched to locate the missing hiker.
After nearly a week of searching, the man was finally found by a search and rescue team on Saturday afternoon. He was located several miles off the main trail, disoriented and dehydrated but otherwise in good health. The man was airlifted to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The man’s survival is being attributed to his resourcefulness and determination. Despite being lost for nearly a week, he managed to find shelter and water to sustain himself until help arrived. Authorities are reminding hikers to always be prepared when venturing into remote areas, including carrying enough food and water, a map and compass, and a means of communication in case of emergencies.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared when exploring the great outdoors, especially in remote and off-road areas. It also highlights the dedication and skill of search and rescue teams who work tirelessly to locate missing individuals and bring them to safety.
As for the 70-year-old man, he is grateful to be alive and is recovering well in the hospital. He has expressed his gratitude to the search and rescue team who saved him and is looking forward to reuniting with his family. This harrowing experience will surely serve as a cautionary tale for him and others who enjoy outdoor adventures.
