Brooklyn Man Rescued After Night In Wilderness

SHANDAKEN, NY — A Brooklyn risked hypothermia by spending the night outdoors overnight Friday. According to Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers, around 3 p.m. Friday, the 39-year-old Brooklyn man left the Woodland Valley Campground and headed to Giant Ledge when he decided to stay the night because it was getting dark.

At 6 a.m. Saturday, a hiker got out of his tent to watch the sunrise and noticed the man who was extremely cold and had no feeling in his hands or feet.

The hiker and his hiking partner put the man in their tent and covered him with a down sleeping bag before calling 911.

The Big Indian Fire Department and Shandaken paramedics were sent to the scene.

The fire department requested forest ranger assistance, and Ranger Erik Stratton arrived around 9 a.m. and hiked in with six firefighters.

Stratton continued warming the Brooklyn man while Forest Ranger Richard Franke Jr. arrived with an additional firefighter and a utility terrain vehicle from the Claryville Fire Department.

Around 11 a.m., the man had warmed up enough to walk to the UTV, which took him to an ambulance.

He was evaluated by emergency medical technicians but refused further medical treatment and was released.

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