Lost Florida Hiker Rescued Near Tram

A Florida man who apparently lost his way while hiking in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, just north of Palm Springs, was found safe this week on a mountaintop.

Ted Wilcox was reported missing by his mother around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday after he failed to return home following an excursion that began on the high side of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

According to Riverside County sheriff’s officials, Wilcox took the tram to its 8,500-foot elevation drop point, where he took off for a day hike.

He told his family he would take the tram down the mountain by 5 p.m. However, by nightfall, Wilcox was nowhere to be seen, and calls to his mobile phone went unanswered, prompting his mother to call 911.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Beatty said deputies learned that Wilcox had snacks and water to get him through the day but no provisions for an overnight stay in the mountains.

A search was initiated in the predawn hours, with sheriff’s personnel, Palm Springs police and members of the county Mountain Rescue Unit and Desert Search and Rescue Unit mobilizing, according to Beatty.

At 6 a.m. Wednesday, a three-person “Hasty Team,” used for fast deployments, began scouring the rugged terrain for any signs of Wilcox. Four hours later, a helicopter crew spotted him and directed the team to his location, Beatty said.

The wayward hiker was in good condition and declined medical treatment after he was escorted down the mountain, according to the sergeant.

He said the episode should serve as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to always go prepared, carrying proper equipment, packing plenty of food and water, wearing appropriate clothing and using maps, compasses and GPS devices to keep track of their location in case they need to call for help.

– City News Service.

(Image via Shutterstock)