Texas

Lost Texas Hiker Rescued After Week in Arkansas Wilderness

It took rescuers on the ground an hour to reach him and several more hours to carry him out

A Fort Worth man is back with his family after spending nearly a week lost in the Arkansas wilderness.

Joshua McClatchy, 38, got lost while hiking in the Caney Creek Wilderness near Mena, Arkansas. The wilderness area is about 105 miles southwest of Little Rock.

McClatchy had texted his mother after he got lost and asked her to send help.

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer said improved weather conditions allowed searchers to use a National Guard helicopter equipped with infrared technology to search the area.

The chopper crew spotted McClatchy. It took rescuers on the ground an hour to reach him and several more hours to carry him out.

"It was spectacular seeing headlamps approach from the dark distance, and then seeing Josh’s face as the strongest men and women carried him out," Miranda Balduf, McClatchy's sister, wrote on Saturday. "Josh is doing beautifully. He just closed his eyes, and will FINALLY rest."

Sawyer said McClatchy was dehydrated but in good spirits when he was found late Friday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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