Multiple Agencies Participate in Rescue of Missing Hunter

Local law enforcement and rescue personnel joined other area agencies last week after a hunter was reported missing in the Pea Ridge area of DeKalb County. The search not only involved manpower, but also K9s, a helicopter, and the use of drones to explore the heavily wooded area.

According to DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray, on Tuesday, November 32, the Sheriff’s Office learned of a 49-year-old male’s disappearance around 2:30 p.m. when his sister contacted authorities. The man had been missing for quite some time.

The man and a friend had been coon hunting the night before off of Wildlife Lane, and it was reported that he had a medical condition that caused him to go back to his vehicle. When their hunting dogs picked up on the scent of an animal, the man’s hunting partner went in pursuit. The man tried to reunite with his hunting buddy when he became lost. The friend tried to contact him, but was unsuccessful. The friend eventually notified the man’s sister, who then reported him missing to local authorities.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), DeKalb County Rescue Squad, DeKalb County Fire Department, DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Special Operations Team (RCFR), Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), Cannon County Rescue Squad, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency responded to the area and coordinated a multi-agency response.

The man was located on a steep hillside and rescuers retrieved him from the area via a “Stokes” basket (a wire basket conforming in shape to the human body into which an injured, sick, or disabled person can be safely strapped) and loaded him on an ATV. He was then flown to an area hospital by Lifeflight for non-life threatening injuries.

RCFR’s drones, in collaboration with volunteers from Stormpoint Emergency Response, were instrumental in the discovery of the missing man, as were K9s from both RCFR and RCSO. The Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter was also deployed and contributed to the search efforts.

“We are incredibly thankful that the gentleman was found and his injuries seem to be relatively minor given the circumstances,” said RCFR Captain John Ingle.

Sheriff Patrick Ray attributed the success of the mission to teamwork from local and mutual aid partners. “We are elated to have found the patient safe and in good shape and are grateful to all of the agencies who took part in this rescue.”