Granite Mountain rescue airlift
Sedona AZ (September 9, 2015) – On September 7, 2015, about 11:45 in the morning, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies and volunteers from the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team (YCSRT) Backcountry Unit were involved in a rescue on Granite Mountain, Prescott, Arizona. A 911 call reported that 25-year-old Lane Pirkel, from Prescott, had fallen into an agave plant resulting in multiple puncture wounds. Lane was able to remove all, but one thorn. The remaining thorn was impaled just below his sternum and had broken off below the skin. Lane was unable to move without severe pain and had difficulty breathing. The reporting party kept Pirkel still and as calm as possible while resources were deployed.
Because of the serious injury and remote location, a DPS Ranger Helicopter responded to facilitate a ‘short-haul’ or rope rescue airlift. A member of the YCSRT Backcountry team, who is certified in this type of rescue, repelled from the Ranger helicopter to Lane’s location to render first aid and prepare for transport. Lane and the team member were airlifted while a medical helicopter stood by for a second airlift to Flagstaff Medical Center. Although the rescue had been delayed due to intermittent rain, Lane was on his way to Flagstaff Medical Center within two hours of the initial call. As of this writing, his condition is unknown.
Lesson – This is a case where hiking alone could have been fatal. Lane’s hiking companion kept him calm while rendering aid, provided real time updates on his condition to search personnel, and gave critical information to aid the helicopter crew in locating the pair and securing a safe landing area. Additionally, the companion’s functioning cell phone provided a critical lifeline to rescuers throughout the incident.
RESIDENT COMES HOME TO BURGLARS INSIDE
Sean Kunkel arrested
On September 6, 2015, just before noon, deputies were called to the 2700 block of Cliff View Drive, Cottonwood, after the female resident came home to find two men inside her house. One of the men ran out the back door of the house as she was walking up and has not yet been identified. The other male, later identified as 36-year-old Sean Kunkel of Cottonwood, was found asleep in her son’s bedroom.
Kunkel was wearing only underwear and had covered himself in her son’s blanket. The resident woke Kunkel and tried to find out who he was and why he was there. He spoke incoherently and she convinced him to leave. Kunkel then walked across the street and straight into a neighbor’s front door where the residents were home. Kunkel was still speaking incoherently and those inside the house told him to leave. Deputies arrived quickly and located Kunkel at the end of the street. Kunkel was unable to explain why he was inside the victim’s home or initially provide his name. He was covered in scratches and claimed he had fallen into rose bushes recently.
The investigation is ongoing as deputies attempt to identify the second suspect and determine how the suspects initially entered the home and how long they had stayed. The homeowner indicated the house was occupied only occasionally in recent days.
Kunkel was taken to the ER at Verde Valley Medical Center and cleared by doctors before getting booked on charges of Burglary, Trespassing, and Disorderly Conduct. He remains in-custody on a $2500 bond.
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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