Thursday evening, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received three calls for Search and Rescue: one involving an overdue hiker in Sedona, another involving an injured hiker with a broken ankle on West Fork Trail in Sedona, and the third was for stranded motorists on a Forest Service Road south of Flagstaff. Search and Rescue personnel responded in separate groups simultaneously and within two hours all rescues were successful. The overdue hiker was spotted on the trail returning to her vehicle. Deputies learned the overdue hiker became temporarily lost due to inclement weather and was uninjured. Search and Rescue assisted Sedona Fire in transporting the injured West Fork hiker three miles back to the trailhead, who was then transferred to VVMC for treatment. Deputies then located the stranded motorists in good condition. They transported the family of four, including two small children, to a local hotel in Flagstaff. Sheriff’s Officials say sudden change in weather was a factor in these incidents so remember to check the forecast before venturing out. Also, to not rely on your cell phone alone for emergency situations.
