Earlier this week, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing mushroom picker. The incident unfolded on Monday afternoon around 2:30pm in the vicinity of Herman Peak Rd., northeast of Florence.
A man, who had been lost in the woods, managed to find his way to a house in the Mercer Lake area. He informed authorities that he had become separated from his girlfriend a couple of days earlier, and she was believed to still be lost in the woods.
In response to the report, Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel deployed to the area to begin the search for the missing woman.
Late in the evening, the search and rescue team successfully located the missing female. She had fallen into a difficult to access area in the woods, making her rescue a complex operation. Unfortunately, heavy fog in the area prevented a US Coast Guard’s helicopter from assisting in hoisting her to safety.
Rescuers made the decision to stabilize her condition and remain with her through the night, with plans to attempt a hike out in the morning.
Yesterday morning, at approximately 5:30am, the rescue team managed to safely bring the female to the nearest roadway and transfer her into an awaiting ambulance. She was then transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
“I am so proud of our Search and Rescue team,” said Sheriff Harrold. “Their care and compassion for others are readily apparent. Our community is a better place because of these brave men and women and their unwavering commitment to saving lives.”
No additional information is available at this time.
Source: LCSO
