85-year-old tourist rescued after night in the mountains

SKAMANIA COUNTY, Wash. (TMX) — An 85-year-old man was rescued early Thursday morning after he was reported late during a Wednesday hike at Wind Mountain in Washington state, officials said.

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office said the man’s son reported the delay around 11:18 p.m. Wednesday after being unable to reach him by phone. Around noon that day, the man went hiking on Windy Mountain, east of Stevenson.

A sheriff’s deputy arrived at the Wind Mountain Trail as volunteers were gathering for the search and located the man’s vehicle. Around 1:21 a.m. Thursday, sheriff’s office search and rescue team volunteers found the man about 75 feet off the trail.

Due to its location and “rough terrain”, a rope rescue team was requested, as well as manpower. Skamania County Emergency Medical Services personnel and volunteers from Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Skamania County Fire District 1 and Skamania County Fire District 2 responded to the scene.

The man was finally brought to the trail around 7:14 a.m. Thursday and taken to the hospital for treatment. The sheriff’s office did not specify the nature of his condition or possible injuries.

“This mission is a direct reflection of the phenomenal collaborative efforts of multiple teams that carried out a difficult but successful rescue operation,” Skamania Sheriff Summer Scheier said in a statement. “The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, as always, appreciates the efforts of our volunteers and paid professionals who are willing to assist in providing these invaluable services.”