Authorities have shared new details regarding the 14-year-old boy who was found safe on Sunday morning after going missing while snowmobiling near the Utah-Idaho border.
A Relentless Search Effort
The Cache County Sheriff’s Office described the search as “intense and relentless,” with multiple agencies working together to locate the missing teen. Rescue teams found him around 9 a.m. on Sunday, not far from the area where he had last been seen.
Despite spending a night in the harsh winter backcountry of Franklin and Cache County, the boy was in remarkably good condition, officials said.
“He was immediately taken to the command post and assessed by medical personnel,” a statement from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office explained. “Surprisingly, he showed no major signs of distress or injury after enduring freezing temperatures.”
The 24-Hour Rescue Operation
The boy had last been seen riding a yellow snowmobile in an area about 2.5 miles southwest of Gibson Basin in Franklin County, Idaho. When the rest of his group lost sight of him, they searched for over an hour before calling for help on Saturday afternoon, February 8.
Rescue teams from both Cache County and Franklin County immediately launched a large-scale operation, utilizing:
- Snowmobiles and off-highway vehicles (OHVs)
- Pisten Bully Snow Cats
- Ski teams and foot searchers
- Drones equipped with heat sensors
- A helicopter from the Utah Department of Public Safety
Attempts to ping the boy’s cellphone were unsuccessful. As the search continued into the early hours of Sunday, conditions became brutal, with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. At around 2 a.m., additional personnel from Weber County arrived to assist.
A Miraculous Outcome
Despite the frigid and snowy conditions, searchers successfully located the teen. He was brought to safety and evaluated, with no reported serious injuries.
Officials praised the combined efforts of volunteers, search teams, and emergency responders, calling the rescue “nothing short of miraculous.”
Safety Reminders for Winter Adventurers
Following the incident, authorities reminded outdoor enthusiasts to always carry emergency preparedness equipment when venturing into remote areas.
“As avid snowmobilers and skiers ourselves, we encourage everyone to be prepared for emergencies,” the Cache County Sheriff’s Office said. “This young man’s story had a happy ending, and we hope he enjoys many more safe snowmobiling trips with his family and friends.”
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