A missing 89-year-old hiker survived nearly 10 days in the Idaho wilderness thanks to his “will to survive,” authorities said.
“Bing Olbum has been found and is currently at his home,” the Custer County Sheriff's Office in central Idaho said Aug. 11. “This is an extraordinary outcome to this incident!”
Olbum set out from the Hunter Creek Trailhead on Aug. 1 after being dropped off there by a family member, expecting to be gone for just five days, but never made it to the McDonald Creek exit point, the sheriff's office previously said. The trail is within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
He was reported missing on August 7. Olbum only had five days' worth of supplies when he left.
Hiker missing for 10 days in northern California mountains found alive
Hiker Bing Olbum was found last weekend after being missing for more than a week. (Custer County Sheriff's Office)
Olbum's camp was found late on Saturday night, and he was home by 3 a.m. Sunday after locals on horseback located him around 12:30 a.m.
“Sheriff Levi Maydole appreciates the tireless efforts of our wonderful community in achieving this outcome,” the sheriff's office said Sunday, adding, “Bing's will to survive has resulted in an incredibly good ending to this incident. We hope he recovers quickly and is able to enjoy time with his family and friends.”
Bing Olbum was hiking in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. (H. Abernathy/ClassicStock/Getty Images)
One person commented under the sheriff's post: “I'm so happy for this outcome! He'll heal fast!” while another wrote: “I don't know Bing but I'm impressed by his toughness. He doesn't give up! I'm so thankful for the good ending to his ordeal.” A third person called it a “true miracle.”
Authorities said search and rescue units had been deployed during the search, analysing all possible traces he might have picked up.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Salmon-Challis National Forest spans more than 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho. The Hunter Creek Trailhead is located north of Boise.
“The trail follows the creek to the head of the canyon, where the switchbacks become steeper and a bit more difficult,” reads a description of the trail on the United States Forest Service Website. “At the top, the wood thins out and visitors have a clear view of Mount Ryan (11,714 feet) and Kent Peak.”
It was not clear exactly how Olbum became off course on his walk.
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After Olbum went missing, his daughter posted a photo of his trail map on Facebook, saying she was worried he was injured “or worse and couldn't put a tarp up so the helicopters could see him.” After he was found, she posted the update: “HE WAS FOUND DEHYDRATED BUT ALIVE AND WELL!!!!!!!!!!!”
