Two women rescued by SAR

The following is a press release from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.

KLAMATH COUNTY - On February 17, 2021, at approximately 11:30 PM Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies and volunteers from Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue located a pair of local women who had been missing for more than 24-hours in a remote part of Lake County east of Willow Valley Reservoir.

The women, ages 89 and 59, had ventured out on a sight-seeing drive and became stuck on a snow-covered roadway.

In an effort to reduce the potential for loss of life, extensive resources were expended due to the life-threatening weather conditions and freezing temperatures that exist this time of year.

Involved in the search were volunteers from Klamath County Search and Rescue, deputies from both the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the US Forest Service, and friends and family of the missing women. Additional, aircraft and searchers were provided by Emergency Airlift, Brim Aviation along with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police.

“Our Search and Rescue Unit has responded to an alarming number of incidents this year in which people, unprepared for the conditions they venture into, become disabled and unable to rescue themselves,” said Klamath County Sheriff, Chris Kaber. “They often find themselves unable to communicate their situation, relying too heavily on cell phone connections to summon help. I urge everyone to use a double portion of caution when they decide to venture off the beaten path during the winter and early spring months.”

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone to check road conditions before you leave and avoid using alternate routes that your GPS may suggest but you are unfamiliar with. Let someone know where you are going, when you plan to return, and know your capabilities and your vehicle limitations; don’t off-road onto closed roads.