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 told he was late while hiking Wednesday 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, Fire District 1 and 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, is very appreciative of the efforts of our volunteers and paid professionals who are willing to assist in providing these invaluable services.”