A mushroom hunter who had gone missing Wednesday southwest of Philomath was found on Thanksgiving afternoon, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The individual, a 77-year-old Corvallis man, had been looking for mushrooms in an area off Botkin Road.
“Thank you to all who helped on this mission,” Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said through a news release. “Many volunteers sacrificed time away from family and friends on Thanksgiving Day to ensure this search had a positive outcome. We know you don’t do it for recognition but want the community to know what amazing resources our office has to keep the community safe.”
A member of the man’s family reported him missing at approximately 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The search operation initially involved BCSO Marys Peak Search and Rescue, Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit and Region 3 K9 Search and Rescue. The agencies were in the area looking for the hiker Wednesday night.
Search efforts continued on Thanksgiving Day with additional assistance from Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Searchers located the missing man at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday down a steep drainage near a creek.
“The male was in a weakened state after a recent back surgery and unable to hear the rescuers due to the absence of his hearing aids,” BCSO reported. “Since temperatures dropped, the man said he tried to stay moving throughout the night to stay warm. Unfortunately, he did not have a whistle or other essential gear with him and was wearing wool socks with crocs.”
The man was found about a mile and a half from his vehicle. He was immediately airlifted to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis for further medical assessment and care.
BCSO encourages hikers to be prepared to ensure their safety. To help, the American Hiking Society recommends 10 essential items to bring on any hike.