Rescue crews responded after a father and his 18-month-old son became during a ride in California’s high country
Credit: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
NEED TO KNOW
- A father and his 18-month-old son were rescued after becoming stranded in snowy conditions near California’s Freel Peak, according to authorities
- The pair had been mountain biking above 10,000 feet when snow blocked the trail and the father became exhausted
- Rescue crews airlifted the father and toddler to safety after the child began showing signs of “extreme discomfort,” authorities said
A father riding mountain bikes with his 18-month-old son in California’s high country found himself stranded above 10,000 feet after snow blocked the trail and conditions quickly worsened, prompting an emergency rescue operation near Freel Peak, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said.
The man had been out riding late in the afternoon on Thursday, May 21, when he reached an area where the trail was completely covered in snow, according to a Facebook post shared by the sheriff’s office.
Trying to make it back to lower ground, the father pushed through the snow but soon became exhausted, authorities said. As the sun began to set, he also realized he was unprepared to remain overnight in the harsh conditions.
Credit: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
At the same time, his toddler son began showing signs of “extreme discomfort,” leading the father to believe the child needed medical attention, according to the sheriff’s office.
An EDSO Search and Rescue coordinator, EDSAR Tahoe volunteers and Echo 1 were called in to help locate the pair, authorities said.
The crew of Echo 1 quickly found the father and son and worked with rescue volunteers to coordinate a plan to bring them down safely, according to the post.
Officials said two EDSAR volunteers were flown to a landing zone on the shoulder of Freel Peak at more than 10,000 feet in elevation before hiking down to reach the stranded pair.
The father and son were then airlifted by Echo 1 to the South Lake Tahoe Airport, where they were treated by South Lake Tahoe Fire, authorities said.
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The sheriff’s office later thanked the agencies involved in the rescue effort while reminding visitors that snowy and dangerous conditions still remain in the mountains despite warmer temperatures in lower elevations.
“For everyone who adventures in El Dorado County, remember to be prepared and stay safe,” the sheriff’s office said on social media.
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