A missing hunter, who had been unaccounted for in California for 20 days, was discovered alive on Saturday, much to the relief of his family and authorities.
Ron Dailey, from Selma, California, embarked on what was intended to be a brief hunting trip in the Sierra National Forest. When he failed to return as planned, his concerned family reached out to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
Dailey recounted his journey, explaining that he had initially set out on the Swamp Lake Trail. However, he soon found himself off course and in unfamiliar terrain.
“I encountered a difficult passage that scraped the bottom of my vehicle. I noticed a sign on a nearby tree indicating ‘Diamond Road, jeep road,’ which suggested it was suitable only for rock crawlers. Unfortunately, I didn’t have one,” Dailey explained.
As he ventured further, his truck became irreparably damaged. Adapting to his circumstances, Dailey used the vehicle for shelter and rationed his supplies, which included enough food to last roughly two weeks.
After enduring several days at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet, Dailey decided it was time to take action and attempt to find help.
“You either try to walk out or you’re going to sit here and die,” said Dailey.
The Selma man said he fell a couple of times going downhill, and when he was at the bottom of a rocky hill, he noticed he lost his phone.
Weeks passed and Dailey said after several miles of walking and lots of praying — relief.
Authorities said he was found by a group of hunters near Swamp Lake Trail on Saturday.
“There were resources from across the Central Valley that came here. We have different counties that sent equipment. Kern County sent equipment. Of course, Tulare County, Kings County all had individuals here assisting with the search,” said Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.
Dailey’s daughter, Breanna, recorded him recounting how he got lost as he recovered at in a Clovis hospital.
Dailey is being monitored by doctors. The family says if everything goes as planned, Dailey will be released on Monday.
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