Additional Coverage:
- ‘Nothing short of a miracle’: Hunter rescued after being missing for nearly 20 days (abcnews.go.com)
Selma Man Found Alive After 20-Day Wilderness Ordeal
Shaver Lake, CA – A massive search-and-rescue operation concluded with what officials are calling “nothing short of a miracle” as experienced hunter Ron Dailey, 79, of Selma, was found alive after being lost in the Sierra National Forest for nearly 20 days. Dailey was discovered by a group of fellow hunters on Saturday, October 2nd, along the remote Swamp Lake trail.
Dailey, who had been missing since October 13th after failing to return from a hunting trip near Shaver Lake, expressed immense gratitude to his rescuers in a recording obtained by ABC News from his family, stating, “They saved my life.”
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Fresno County Search and Rescue Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, spearheaded the extensive search efforts, navigating “tough terrain” and dedicating “countless hours seeking Ron.” Their relief was palpable when they announced, “And then, the incredible news: he was found alive.”
Recounting his harrowing experience, Dailey explained that his ordeal began when his truck became stuck deep on a “jeep road” after he attempted to turn around. Despite his best efforts to free the vehicle, the rugged landscape further damaged his truck, eventually stranding him on a “rocky plateau” for several days. After removing the passenger seat for an uncomfortable resting spot, Dailey realized he had to abandon his vehicle and proceed on foot.
“This is it, Ron, you either try to get out or you sit here and die,” Dailey recalled telling himself.
His journey, at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, was the “toughest walk I’ve ever done in my life,” forcing him to stop every hundred yards to catch his breath. During this arduous trek, Dailey fell twice and lost his cellphone.
At his lowest point, he stopped to pray, pleading, “You gotta send somebody up here to me. I can hardly walk anymore.”
Just when hope seemed to wane, Dailey spotted headlights in the distance. He raised his hands, and upon being recognized by the passing hunters, he “started hugging them and praying.” The hunters immediately provided him with food and water; Dailey revealed he hadn’t eaten in six days.
Ron Dailey’s wife, Glenda Dailey, extended her heartfelt thanks to the community for their “love and support that we received while patiently waiting for Ron.” She expressed profound gratitude to the men who found her husband, stating, “To the men who went down that road and found him, I am eternally grateful for you; I cannot wait to see you.”
Officials emphasized that Ron Dailey’s safe return serves as a powerful “remind us of the value of every life, the strength of unity and the calling to serve our neighbors in their greatest hour of need.”