UPDATE (11/28/2020 4:25 p.m.) The family of a missing 15-year-old hiker has notified ABC4 staff that the boy has been found. He is alive and responsive however additional details were not known.
In a press release issued by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, they said at approximately 2:00 p.m. Saturday, volunteers with the Washington County Search & Rescue located shoe impressions which were consistent with Britton.
“They were able to track the impressions to a canyon where they were able to locate Britton. At that time Britton was able to communicate with rescuers,” said WCSO. “The Utah Department of Safety helicopter was able to retrieve Kelsey from the canyon with the assistance of the Search & Rescue high angle team. He was then transported back to the trailhead where he was treated by awaiting medical personnel.”
Deputies said Britton was treated for symptoms of hypothermia.
No further information is available at this time.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4 News) — The Washington County Sherriff’s Office is searching for a teen hiker who went missing on the Red Mountain Trail on Friday.
Officials say Britton Kelsey, 15, went missing on the Red Mountain Trail off of SR-18 mile marker 16 around 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
Initial reports indicated Brittan had become separated from his party while hiking the overlook trail. The group was originally split into two hiking groups and Brittan had fallen behind the first group and was believed to have met up with the second group.
Family and other members then notified the Sheriff’s Office when their search efforts were unsuccessful.
Sheriff’s deputies along with Search & Rescue volunteers responded to the area to assist in searching for Brittan.
Additional concerns arose due to overnight temperatures, forecasted to be below freezing, so additional resources were requested.
Air support was received from both IHC’s Lifeflight Helicopter and the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter. The area was searched using night vision and FLIR.
Shortly after midnight, search efforts were temporarily suspended but resumed around 7 a.m. Saturday.
Volunteers and friends of the family have also begun an independent search of the area. The Sheriff’s Office is asking that any volunteers assisting the family wear bright-colored clothing in an effort to be clearly identified and not complicate the aerial search efforts.
He is described as a white male, 5-feet-4-inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has medium-length dark hair. Police say he was last seen wearing a light blue sweater and black shorts.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office sent out an alert on Friday afternoon, asking residents to check around their homes and yards for any sign of him.
If you have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to contact Washington County Dispatch at 435-634-5730.
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