Lost hiker found safe and sound on Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford
A 65-year-old man who was reported lost on Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford late this afternoon was rescued at about 8:30 p.m.
Const. Ian MacDonald said the man was cold, but in good spirits.
Police received a call at about 4:30 p.m. from the man's female hiking partner, who said the two had become separated. Abbotsford Police Department staff made phone contact with the man, and several resources were deployed.
Sixteen members of Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue attended, along with APD patrol division officers, a K9 unit and police helicopter Air 1.
MacDonald said Air 1 played an integral role in locating a small light held by the hiker to mark his position to searchers.
"The extrication of the man was complicated by darkness and the steep terrain of the area," he said.
The hikers were adequately prepared for the trek, but the combination of becoming separated and the increasing darkness created a situation where "assistance was the only option," MacDonald added.
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