Drone Helps Locate Teen Lost in WNC Woods

Cherokee County -- February 22, 2023:A long ground search,
patience and working with a drone,

all helped locate a 15-year old boy. The teen and his family recently moved to the area. He was lost Monday
in the woods of the Camp Creek area and found later that night

The Hiawassee Fire Department posted the following on Facebook Tuesday:

"Words cannot express how we feel right now. After a long ground search, the young man was found in good shape.
Thanks to our members, Wolf Creek FD, Culberson FD, Copper Basin Fire and Rescue, West Polk Fire and Rescue with
their drone, Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, Cherokee County Emergency Management, Cherokee County 911.
Over a year ago, Hiwassee Dam FD joined the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association which is based around the Chattanooga
metro area.

Tonight is the first time we have called on them. They dispatched Hamilton County Emergency Management with their drones. They responded from Chattanooga and immediately started flying. Their 2 drones and West Polks drone flew grid patterns for 2 hours. One of the Hamilton County drones picked up a heat signature. Once he was able to zoom, the signature appeared to be a body lying in the fetal position. He was able to mark the GPS coordinates and lead ground searchers to the missing juvenile.

He was then carried out of the woods and turned over to Cherokee County EMS medics
for evaluation. Thanks you to all who responded. Once again, training and great relationships with mutual aid partners led to a successful mission."

WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington