A 26-year-old man, who went missing while rafting on Oregon’s Illinois River, was found by a Coast Guard helicopter after enduring five days in a challenging wilderness environment.
Gabriel Vaughn disappeared at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Monday, last spotted near Greenwall Rapids while on a rafting excursion with others, as reported by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
Equipped with a blue dry suit, helmet, and life jacket, Vaughn separated from the group, announcing his intention to trek into the woods toward the Chetco drainage, according to the sheriff’s office.
When Vaughn did not return, a comprehensive search effort was initiated, involving the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team alongside the U.S. Coast Guard.
Authorities noted that Gabriel Vaughn, 26, went missing after embarking on a solo hike during his rafting adventure on Oregon’s Illinois River. (Josephine County Sheriff’s Office)
The Coast Guard reported that an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station North Bend carried out several aerial searches throughout the week, following a request for aid from the Oregon Search and Rescue coordinator.
The U.S. Coast Guard conducted multiple aerial searches for Vaughn throughout the week, officials said. (U.S. Coast Guard)
On Friday morning, a private party working with search teams found Vaughn in the Illinois River Valley, approximately two miles downstream from where he was last seen, officials said.
Rescuers determined he could not be safely evacuated on foot due to injuries to his hands and feet and requested helicopter support, according to the Coast Guard.
Due to injuries to Vaughn’s hands and feet, a Coast Guard helicopter had to hoist the missing rafter to safety, the Coast Guard said. (U.S. Coast Guard)
The Coast Guard helicopter arrived and lowered a rescue swimmer to hoist Vaughn to safety. He was flown to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay for evaluation.
Vaughn was taken to a hospital for treatment, though officials did not detail the extent of his injuries. (Josephine County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities did not immediately release details about how Vaughn survived in the remote terrain or the extent of his injuries.
The search effort spanned several days and required close coordination between federal and local responders, the Coast Guard said.
