70-year-old who called for help while lost on a walk found safe, California cops say

UPDATE: A 70-year-old reported missing was found safe on May 23 after spending two nights and nearly three days in the California wilderness, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Elizabeth Schenk was transported to a hospital after being located.

“Schenk’s condition was stable, she was in good spirits, and believed to have only suffered minor scratches and abrasions from her exposure to the wilderness for two days,” an updated news release said.

Original story continues below.

A 70-year-old woman who vanished after calling for help on a walk remains missing, California sheriff’s officials reported.

Elizabeth Schenk, who is visiting Mendocino County from Oakland, has been missing since Tuesday, May 21, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Schenk, who went for a walk on a hiking trail north of Fort Bragg, became lost and called someone for directions around 9:30 a.m., deputies said.

At 11 a.m., the person became concerned when Schenk still hadn’t returned and began searching for her with the help of neighbors, deputies said.

He reported her missing to the sheriff’s office just before 5 p.m., officials said.

Search and rescue teams looked for Schenk overnight into Wednesday, May 22, but have been unable to find her, deputies said.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter assisted in the search on Wednesday, the sheriff’s office said.

Schenk, who is considered at-risk because of pre-existing medical conditions, was last seen wearing a white sweater, a white vest, and white jeans, deputies said.

Searchers ask that anyone with information call 707-463-4086.

Fort Bragg is about a 170-mile drive northwest from San Francisco.

What to do if you get lost while hiking

If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.

“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.

You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”

There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:

• Have more than enough food and water with you.

• Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.

• Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.

• Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.

• Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

• Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.

• Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”

This story was originally published May 23, 2024 at 10:59 AM with the headline "70-year-old who called for help while lost on a walk found safe, California cops say."