Lane County, OR – An elderly woman was successfully rescued by the Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team after becoming lost while mushroom picking in the Winberry area. Family members alerted authorities on Friday evening when they were unable to locate her. The woman had told them where she planned to forage, but she did not return as expected.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy deployed a drone to assist the search effort. SAR teams located the missing woman by midnight. After ensuring she received the necessary care, rescuers helped her hike out of the dark woods. The woman was safely reunited with her family in the early morning.
The Sheriff’s Office highlighted the need for caution during outdoor activities, especially as fall approaches. Daylight hours decrease and temperatures drop faster, increasing the risk of disorientation for those recreating in the wilderness. Authorities advised people to always inform others of their plans and to be prepared for overnight stays if needed.