Rescue 1 helicopter on scene at Mingus Mountain search
Sedona AZ (April 8, 2016) – On April 3, 2016, at approximately 3:00 in the afternoon, a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Forest Patrol deputy received a report of two missing children, a 9-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl, last seen off-trail on Mingus Mountain. Another 14-year-old girl had returned to camp and reported the two missing, her brother and a friend. The trio had been hiking along a forest road and, as they were returning to camp, the other two decided to wander off-trail and check out a pond in the distance.
The girl continued along the trail and eventually returned to base camp after being unable to find them. She assumed they were lost and indicated last seeing them around 11:00 a.m. Neither of the two missing children had a cell phone or other means of communication. Others in the area began a search, but no one contacted the Sheriff’s Office until 3:00 p.m.
Deputies immediately obtained clothing descriptions and asked members of various YCSO search and rescue teams to report to the scene. The YCSO Rescue 1 helicopter was also requested. Parents alerted other citizens in the area.
As deputies were coordinating a search effort, three concerned citizens searching the area called the search effort base camp just before 3:30 p.m. to report finding both missing children. These citizens had been shouting the names of the missing two while checking an area just off Forest Road 413. At one point, they heard one of the kids shout back and as the citizens hiked up a ridge, they made contact and returned them to camp.
Both children were dehydrated and the 14-year-old had minor scrapes to her leg due to a fall. Medical personnel from the Jerome Fire Department arrived and treated and released both at the scene.
Here are the lessons:
Stay on the trail / marked roads – This group were not locals and unfamiliar with the Mingus Mountain topography, which includes unexpected sharp drop-offs and ravines. Adults should make sure juveniles are supervised and clearly follow preset safety guidelines when camping and ‘wanting to explore.’
Carry a cell phone/walkie-talkie/etc. – The ability to communicate your location may be the only lifeline to a quick rescue. It is also important to remain stationary and let rescue personnel come to you. The YCSRT (Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team) Hug-a-Tree program teaches children and adults around Yavapai County this important lesson. See http://www.ycsrt.org/?q=hug-a-tree for details.
Call immediately when you realize you are lost or you know someone who is – Time is critical in these situations and although rescue personnel deploy quickly, there may be an arrival delay depending on how remote the area and its topography. An immediate call is especially important if nightfall is closing in.
Bring water/snacks – even short hikes can turn into long ordeals if you become lost or injured.
Carry a whistle – which cuts through all types of ambient noise and can be heard for long distances out in the open.
Know the area – simple research can provide information on the recommended skill level for your hike and any known dangers.
Share your itinerary – Let someone not involved in the hike know your plans, including an expected return time and location.
For more important tips, see www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/hiking.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website at www.ycsoaz.gov.
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