Lane County, OR – A mushroom picker missing for nearly five days in a remote section of western Lane County was found alive Thursday afternoon, ending an intensive multi-agency search that stretched across rugged terrain south of Mapleton.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Search & Rescue crews located 32-year-old Erik Everardo Aguilar-Cisneros of Springfield at 1:40 p.m. Thursday in the Hadsall Creek area. He had last been seen on the evening of December 6, prompting a large-scale search effort that expanded through dense forest, steep ridges, and limited-access roads.
Search officials said the operation involved vehicles, ground teams, K9 units, and drone technology to sweep the remote wilderness. Multiple volunteer groups and partner agencies assisted, including Pacific Northwest Search Dogs, Eugene Mountain Rescue, Linn and Benton County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue units, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Mary’s Peak Search & Rescue, and Western Lane Fire & EMS.
Deputies did not immediately release details on Aguilar-Cisneros’s condition but confirmed he was alive when found and received medical assistance.
The Sheriff’s Office reminded outdoor recreationists to prepare for changing conditions, noting that rain in the valley can quickly translate to ice or hazardous conditions at higher elevations. Officials urged hikers and foragers to tell someone their route and expected return time, carry maps for offline navigation, and pack gear sufficient for an overnight stay—even on short outings.
Search & Rescue teams in Lane County respond to incidents nearly every week across various terrain and weather conditions. More information about their volunteer program and donation opportunities is available on the county’s website.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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