Here's a reminder about the need to stay hydrated in these warm temperatures.
A hiker is at a hospital in Bellingham. expected to fully recover after being rescued by the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office and the US Navy.
Sunday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Dispatch was notified that a 59-year-old man was suffering from heat exhaustion and lack of water. He was with two other hikers, one of which was able to text his wife on an In-Reach device from the trail advising her that assistance was needed and that the sick party would not be able to make it off the trail on his own. She then called the dispatch center and asked for assistance.
The hiking party was located about 1.7 miles west of the Cathedral Drive trail head, northwest of Loomis. The Sheriff’s Office dispatched a deputy to the trailhead to assist; in the meantime, the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was on the way to the location. He was able to secure assistance from the US Navy at Whidbey Island with a request for a rescue helicopter with medical personnel on board.
Sunday evening around 7:30, the helicopter arrived. The hikers were advised to make themselves as visible as possible. The area deputy had also made it to their location and was able to assist getting the helicopter to their location in a rugged timbered area. Medical personnel from the helicopter were hoisted down to the hikers, medical attention was given and the injured hiker was then hoisted back into the helicopter.
Around 8 p.m. Sunday, word came that helicopter was transporting the hiker to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham. And as we said, that hiker is expected to make a full recovery.