74 year old hiker rescued
An experienced hiker spent the night in the wilderness above Palm Desert after phoning police for help Tuesday night.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says they received a phone call around 7:26 p.m. Tuesday night from 74 year old John Kelley, of Palm Desert, saying he was stranded in the western foothills above Palm Desert.
Deputies from the Palm Desert Station, as well as personnel from the Desert Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit, responded to the area in an effort to rescue Kelley.
Emergency crews determined Kelly’s location was inaccessible given the terrain, darkness and other safety factors. Through cellular phone contact, it was determined he was uninjured and an experienced hiker. As such, Kelley was directed to seek available shelter pending rescue from a Sheriff’s helicopter at daybreak.
Wednesday morning around 7:30, rescue crews and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit were able to successfully remove Kelley from the foothills. Kelley was found to be uninjured and declined medical treatment.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind hiking enthusiasts to carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursions. Proper preparedness includes a well-thought-out travel plan shared with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as GPS, maps and compasses, proper clothing and plenty of water.
