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Stranded Scout Troop Rescue

Walking behind the YCSO deputy, the two remaining stranded hikers return to safety

Walking behind the YCSO deputy, the two remaining stranded hikers return to safety

Sedona AZ (June 15, 2014) – The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, along with Ranger helicopter crews from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are currently working to rescue three stranded men from the West Clear Creek area several miles off Bull Pen Road, Camp Verde, Arizona. The three were part of a Maricopa Boy Scout Troop hiking in the area.

One of the men, 70-years-of-age and with a prior medical condition, was unable to hike out from the rugged terrain. He is believed to be in the company of his son and grandson who remained with him overnight. The current focus of rescue teams is to secure this gentleman by way of an airlift and obtain immediate medical treatment. The trio is apparently located at the base of a steep canyon.

Background – Yesterday, just before 3:00 p.m., YCSO was notified that a Boy Scout Troop consisting of four adults and eight teens had not returned to a previously scheduled and designated location as agreed. Attempts to reach the group by cell phone were unsuccessful. A search effort began including air support from DPS Ranger.

Arizona DPS Ranger Helicopters depart after completing successful rescue

Arizona DPS Ranger Helicopters depart after completing successful rescue

Just after 6:00 p.m., DPS Ranger located the group. All but five were able to walk out to safety and met with a ground team from the Yavapai County Sheriff Response Team’s Back Country Unit. Two from the troop, a father and son, elected to remain overnight and are being escorted out this morning. The other three, which include the 70-year-old male, remained overnight pending rescue efforts at first light this morning.

UPDATES:  All parties have returned safely. The coordination between YCSO, the YCSRT Back Country Unit, and DPS Ranger Crews, was pivotal to a successful resolution in this rescue operation.

The 70-year-old gentleman, Ken Barnum of Casa Grande, Arizona, was transported to Verde Valley Medical Center. The son and another unrelated teen were airlifted out.

The Boy Scout Troop is based out of the town of Maricopa, Arizona.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website at www.ycsoaz.

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For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

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