Local sources from United States: Daily Mail, KABC-TV.
UK coverage: Daily Mail.
Lukas McClish, a hiker in California, has been found alive after spending 10 days lost in the mountains. McClish had set out on a hike without informing anyone of his plans and had minimal supplies. He survived by drinking water from a creek, eating wild berries, and sleeping on wet leaves. McClish was eventually rescued after park rangers heard his cries for help. He was reunited with his family and spent the night at a local hospital for treatment.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Lukas McClish, a 34-year-old experienced hiker, embarked on a three-hour hike in the Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek, California on June 11. He had only taken a few supplies with him, including a pair of pants, hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a pair of folding scissors. McClish found himself lost in an area that had been devastated by the CZU Lightning Complex fire in 2020, causing the landscape to be unrecognizable.
During his 10-day ordeal, McClish survived by drinking water from a creek and eating wild berries. He slept on wet leaves and tried to build a fire on the first night, but the damp bush he used failed to ignite. McClish continued to search for a way back to civilization, following the sun in hopes of reaching the ocean. His family grew worried when he didn’t show up for Father’s Day dinner and reported him missing, sparking a massive search involving nearly 300 people and emergency personnel from various agencies.
After eight and nine days of shouting for help, park rangers finally heard McClish’s cries and located him in a remote canyon in Big Basin State Park. He was found relatively unharmed but tired and sore. McClish expressed his gratitude for the search and rescue efforts, describing the experience as humbling and awesome. He spent the night at a local hospital, where doctors removed stones from his back.
In an interview with KABC-TV, McClish shared that he had relied on his survival skills and remained calm throughout the ordeal. He drank a gallon of water each day but eventually needed food for sustenance. McClish and his family expressed their gratitude for the support they received and stated that they would be taking a break from hiking for the rest of the year.
This incredible story of survival serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and communication when venturing into the wilderness. It also highlights the dedication and expertise of the search and rescue teams who worked tirelessly to find Lukas McClish and bring him back to safety.
