Missing Hiker Located, Expected To Recover From Injuries

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — A woman who went missing during a hiking excursion Sunday in Jefferson County has been located. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reported that the woman was found around 1 p.m. Monday.

Sgt. Joni Money of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said deputies were dispatched to a location near Bone Dry Road in Kimberly Sunday evening after a man said he and a woman had become separated during a hike to Gurley Creek from a nearby roadway.

"The two followed the creekbank for a period of time," Money said. "The caller grew tired after walking a while and returned to get the vehicle and pick up the missing female from their new location. Once the caller returned to the location where the female was last seen, he was unable to locate her."

Jefferson County Deputies, K-9 Units, Star 1 and personnel from Kimberly Fire and Rescue searched until late in the night. Efforts resumed Monday morning, and Jefferson County deputies located the missing woman and were able to make verbal contact with her. She was suffering from multiple injuries.

With assistance from Vestavia Police Department’s Swift Water Rescue, she was removed from her location after multiple deputies swam across the large creek to reach her.

"They stayed with her and stabilized her until she could be lifted out of the area," Money said. "She is receiving medical treatment at this time but is expected to recover."