Authorities Share Major Update on Hunter Missing for 3 Weeks
Ron Dailey embarked on a solo hunting trip on Oct. 13 in California's snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains when he got lost, his truck broke down, and he lost his cell phone.
According to multiple reports, Dailey, a 65-year-old seasoned hunter, had planned on returning from his solo hunting trip later that day. But according to KSEE, Dailey's family grew concerned when he didn't show up. Making matters worse, Dailey was not in the best of health.
Reports say that, despite subfreezing temperatures, hundreds of people volunteered to search for Dailey. Unfortunately, they came up empty day after day. But now, nearly three weeks later, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office says Dailey has been found alive.
How Dailey Got Lost
Dailey initially set out to visit the Dinkey Creek area. Instead, Dailey told the local news station that he got lost on the Swamp Lake Trail, which is an area that reportedly requires off-road vehicles.
To make matters worse, Dailey's pickup truck not only got stuck in the swamp, but also broke down. Dailey hunkered down in his pickup truck and survived on two weeks' worth of food he had with him.
With only one way out, Dailey decided to walk out of the area.
"You either walk out or you're going to sit here and die," he said, via SFGate.
But he suffered multiple falls when he decided to find a way out on foot. He also lost his cell phone.
Finally Found
Officials say a group of hunters found Dailey on Saturday. According to KTLA, an off-roading club found his pickup truck stuck in the swamp. The pickup truck was reportedly badly damaged.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said in its statement that "no other details are available until we can interview him."