Missing Hunter Found Alive After 20 Days
A seasoned hunter has been located after disappearing for 20 days in the wilderness of California, and authorities describe his rescue as “nothing short of a miracle.”
Ron Dailey, a 65-year-old from Selma, was discovered on Saturday near the Swamp Lake Trail in the Sierra National Forest, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. He had been missing since October 13, when he failed to return from a hunting trip close to Shaver Lake. This led to a large-scale search and rescue operation.
His wife, Glenda, mentioned that he received medical care following his difficult experience, which included fasting for six days while enduring numbness in his legs.
In a post on social media, Glenda shared, “Hospital staff are giving him fluids and his color is returning.” She expressed that he would be astonished by the number of people who participated in his rescue.
Fresno County Search and Rescue members, after navigating challenging conditions and spending countless hours searching, called his recovery an absolute miracle.
“Ron’s safe return is a remarkable event,” the agency stated. “This should remind everyone of the importance of every life and the power of community.”
Daly is known for maneuvering narrow and rugged trails. On the day he went missing, he left his home early to explore the Shaver Lake and Cortright Reservoir areas.
According to recordings shared by his family, he drove his 2002 silver Dodge Dakota up the Swamp Lake Trail, stopped briefly for a snack, and then proceeded down a “jeep road.” Unfortunately, he realized he couldn’t turn back, forcing him to continue further along the unmaintained route.
Daly later noted, “I don’t know why, but I did it.” Despite following signage, the rough terrain damaged his truck and eventually left him stranded on a “rocky plateau” for several days.
As days went on, he recognized that he would need to leave the truck and venture on foot. He described this journey over 10,000 feet above sea level as “the most grueling walk of my life,” forcing him to stop frequently to catch his breath.
Feeling desperate, he recorded his thoughts, saying, “This is it, Ron, you’re either going to leave or you’re going to sit here and die.”
Reports indicate that he stumbled multiple times during his trek and ultimately lost his cellphone. At a low point, he stopped to pray, saying, “Somebody needs to get me here. I can barely walk anymore.”
Miraculously, he spotted the headlights of a car and raised his hands in relief. The hunters who found him were met with a grateful Daly, who embraced them and prayed. After informing them he hadn’t eaten in six days, they promptly offered him food and water.
Glenda expressed gratitude toward those who searched for him, stating, “I can’t wait to meet you,” while also acknowledging the efforts of volunteers who “never gave up.” She emphasized the overwhelming support from family, friends, and even strangers, stating, “God is still working miracles, and we’ve just been shown them.”
Officials concluded that Daly’s recovery emphasizes the significance of every individual’s life and the strength found in community support, particularly during tough times.
