- author, Max Matza
- stock, BBC News
Rescue workers in Kentucky are shocked by the “miraculous” recovery of a hiker who had been missing for nearly two weeks in a remote canyon complex in the Red River Valley.
Scott Hearn, 46, was found alive by Wolfe County rescuers on the last day of their search.
But officials said it was a miracle he managed to survive No food for 12 days.
In a Facebook post on Monday, rescuer Eric Wolterman described how he and Hearn shared an emotional embrace after finding him on Saturday, July 20.
“Whether we find anything or not will be the last day of the search,” he wrote in his post.
Woltermann’s team spent hours exploring the forest, which he described as “the most rugged landscape you can imagine.”
He said the team found footprints in the mud and stopped to regroup. Then they heard “a very faint noise” and after exclaiming, one answered: “Help!”.
Wolterman said Hearn ran after telling the group his name. “I’ve never climbed a mountain so fast in my life,” he wrote on Facebook.
After telling Hearn he was safe, The mountaineer asked hugging him.
“My eyes filled with tears and I gave him a big hug. I think it was the best hug of our lives.“, he wrote.
Hearn was airlifted to hospital following the rescue and is currently recovering.
“A remarkable result”
Hearn was last seen on July 6. Relatives said he plans to explore the region’s waterfalls.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear praised rescuers in a statement, saying their work led to a “remarkable result.”
“Thank you to the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team and everyone who assisted in the rescue,” he said.
Green geographical area Red River Gorge, Eastern KentuckyKnown for its steep cliffs and rock formations, they are popular with climbers.
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