Missing hiker located in National Forest, safely returned home

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A missing hiker who had become overcome with exhaustion while hiking in the National Forest was located and safely returned home. The 78-year-old man had left a note for his wife saying he would be hiking in the Barkshed Recreational Area, but when he did not return home for dinner, emergency services were notified that he was missing. Teams from various agencies were able to locate the man and assist him in hiking out of the area.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of being prepared and taking safety precautions when hiking, especially for older adults. It also demonstrates the value of effective emergency response and coordination between different agencies to locate and assist lost or injured hikers in remote areas.

The details

According to Lieutenant Brian Davis of the Baxter County Sheriff's Office, the 78-year-old man had left a note for his wife saying he would be hiking in the Barkshed Recreational Area, which is just north of Fifty-Six along Highway 14 South. When the man did not return home for dinner, emergency services were notified that he was missing. Just as the Sheriff's department was about to launch its helicopter to aid in the search, crews were able to contact the man on his cell phone. The man explained where he was and that he had become exhausted and needed help to hike out of the area. Teams from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Parks Service, the Sheriff's department, and a dog team from the Benny Magness Unit at Calico Rock were on site to help locate the man and assist him in returning to the recreation area. An ambulance was waiting when he was located, but the man did not need to go to the hospital and was able to drive himself home.

• The man left a note for his wife earlier in the day that he would be hiking in the Barkshed Recreational Area.
• The man did not return home for dinner, and emergency services were notified that he was missing.
• Just as the Sheriff's department was about to launch its helicopter to aid in the search, crews were able to contact the man on his cell phone.