Hiker Rescued From Red Blanket Canyon with Injuries

SAR Volunteers make remarkable rescue

Hiker Rescued from Red Blanket Canyon With Injuries

On Saturday, May 3, 2014 at approximately 7:30 p.m. the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call regarding an adult male who had sustained a knee injury after he had fallen while hiking in the Red Blanket Canyon near Prospect.  The hiker, identified as Ken Wearstler, 64, of Central Point attempted to crawl out on his own, but was unable due to steep, mountainous terrain.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and members of Jackson County Search and Rescue responded to help.  Just after midnight, Wearstler was able to make voice and flashlight contact.  However, due to the mountainous terrain it took rescuers over four hours to make physical contact.  An EMT was with the search group and helped stabilize Wearsler’s injuries.  Due to the terrain, it was decided carrying him out would be too dangerous and would take over 10 hours.  Search managers decided to have Jackson County Air Support assist in the rescue once the sun was up.  Wearslter was cared for throughout the rest of the night and early Sunday morning Alert 2 was able to get to the group and safely remove Wearslter from the Red Blanket Canyon.

The Jackson County Search and Rescue team had 18 volunteers who assisted including its Technical Rope Rescue Team and a K9 unit.

Wearstler was transported to an area hospital and received treatment.  He is expected to make a full recovery.