On May 10, 2013 at approximately midnight the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an overdue hunter in the area of State Route 87 and State Route 260. The hunter, a 78 year old male from Clarkdale, was seen leaving his home at noon on May 9, 2013 and was expected home in the early evening hours.

The hunter’s disabled vehicle was located at approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 10 by a Coconino County Deputy Sheriff. The hunter was not with the vehicle and was presumed to have left on foot.

Search and Rescue responded along with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Unit based in Flagstaff. DPS Air Rescue located a single male walking on a road along the rim of Calf Pen Canyon at approximately 5:30 a.m. A family member who also was in the area searching was determined to be the closest person to the subject and was directed to his location.

The family member confirmed that the subject was the person who was reported missing. They then walked to a location where the DPS helicopter was able to land. The subject and the family member were flown to the intersection of State Route 87 and State Route 260 where the subject was evaluated and interviewed.

The subject was disoriented and sustained minor injuries from hiking through the night but refused additional medical treatment.

The Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind hikers and hunters to leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted person and be prepared for the unexpected night out in the event of an accident or other emergency. Carry the 10 Essentials: extra water, food, warm clothing, navigation equipment, a headlamp or flashlight, a first aid kit, shelter material, a fire starting kit, a pocket knife, and signaling equipment like a signal mirror and whistle. These can be important tools to help you stay safe in the outdoors and to aid searchers in locating you. During the summer months extreme caution with fire is urged in order to prevent a wildfire.

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Media Contact: Commander Rex Gilliland 928-226-5025