Search for missing Reno hiker suspended (channel 4 Reno)
Page Last Updated: Wednesday November 24, 2010 7:24pm PST
Reno resident Rick Gentry. |
Reno resident Rick Gentry was last seen leaving for Galena Park Sunday night, and aside from a cell phone call that he placed to authorities to say that he was lost, he has not been heard form since. His vehicle and some belongings were located during the search and rescue.
Suspending the search involves a combination of several factors, according to Washoe County Sheriff's Deputy Armando Avina, the most significant of which follows:
-Authorities thoroughly evaluated Gentry's chance of survival taking into account the fact that he has been missing for 72 hours.
-The environmental conditions for search and rescue crews are too unsafe in regards to the weather and terrain.
Before suspending the search, officials notified Gentry's family, who were supportive of the decision knowing the daunting circumstances of the search so far, Avina said. Gentry's family members expressed their gratitude to the search crews, and were amazed at the sheer scope of the effort, especially the fact that many counties participated.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office will resume a recovery search effort on Sunday, weather permitting, Avina said.
Sheriff's personnel and search crews want to stress to the public that these types of hilly and mountainous areas are extremely dangerous because of the extreme cold and the snow, and that they should stay away from those areas if possible. They also said it is easy to get disoriented and lost, especially when it becomes dark outside. Avina says he understands that some people want to experience the outdoors in winter, but if they do they should be prepared, and never go too far from their vehicle.
2 comments:
Increasing wind and snow depth made conditions rough for our team which hiked 2 miles from the wilderness boundary to our search area. The tracks of other teams in the area were completely filled in or blown over throughout the day and following the trail into the area was tricky at times. There's something beautiful about watching snow drift across the terrain, but there's also a shred of terror seeing your own tracks vanish in such a short amount of time.
The third day brought no success in locating the subject. Our five person team (3 El Dorado and 2 Washoe) were flown to Alpine Walk Peak SW of Reno (approx 9000ft). From there we searched the ridgeline. Air support pointed us to sever natural features they felt were high probability areas. It was reported that the subject was attempting to climb in elevation on Sunday night to see the Reno lights and regain his orientation. Travel was extremely slow as the brush was very thick and the snow not deep enough to support a searcher on snow shoes over the brush. Due to the slow progress the extraction plans had to be modified. Originally we were to walk the estimated 5 hour hike out down off the southern face and follow the drainage east. Since we were diverted several times to key locations by air support we were still on the ridgeline at 2 pm. CP indicated a helo would lift us off the ridge by 5pm. There were problems with the Sheriff helo so a Blackhawk from Stead ended up hoisting 2 teams of 5 off the ridgeline about 7pm. The extraction was time consuming since the Blackhawk had to reposition between each hoist to allow the searcher to move to the lift area. The rotor-wash created whiteout conditions as it blew snow and backlit it with a flood light.
I think the key lesson reinforced for me is to keep a close eye on your extraction plan, especially if you are flown into the search area. Secondly, maintain close contact with our assigned deputy and keep him up to date on your progress. Without Deputy Almos watchful assistance this assignment would could have resulted in a miserable overnight on the peak or worse.
SAR67
Phil Dold
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