TCSAR and Star Valley SAR Partner for Rescue Outside of Afton

Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR) and Star Valley Search & Rescue (SVSAR) teamed up to rescue a stranded hiker.
The hiker became disoriented and trapped in extreme terrain near Afton, Wyo.

SVSAR responded on dirt bikes and hiked several miles to reach the hiker.
TCSAR dispatched a helicopter team that successfully short-hauled the hiker to safety.

TCSAR and SVSAR Join Forces for a Challenging Rescue Mission

In a joint effort, Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR) and Star Valley Search & Rescue (SVSAR) recently collaborated to rescue a hiker who found herself in a precarious situation in the wilderness east of Afton, Wyoming. The incident took place on Wednesday, June 14, just after 7 p.m., when TCSAR received a call from SVSAR requesting helicopter assistance for the stranded hiker.

According to SVSAR, the woman had become disoriented and lost in fog at a higher elevation several hours earlier. After enduring wet and cold conditions, she inadvertently followed the wrong ridgeline, eventually encountering impassable terrain that prevented her from proceeding further.Realizing she would be unable to find her way out before nightfall, she made the call for help.

A Multi-Team Effort to Rescue the Hiker

SVSAR members quickly responded to the situation, ridingdirt bikes to reach a position above and south of the stranded hiker. They then hiked several miles to establish contact with her. With daylight diminishing rapidly, the SVSAR volunteers estimated that extracting the hiker safely without helicopter support would require many hours. Consequently, they reached out to TCSAR to request assistance.

TCSAR volunteers promptly accepted the mission and dispatched a short-haul helicopter team to the hiker’s location. As a precautionary measure, ground teams in SAR vehicles were also deployed as backup support. At 8:40 p.m., the heli team located the stranded hiker and successfully performed a short-haul rescue, hoisting both the patient and the rescuers to safety using a rope connected to the belly of the helicopter.

The Successful Rescue and Gratitude Expressed

By 8:55 p.m., the woman, who happened to be a resident of Afton, was safely transported to the valley floor just outside of town. Fortunately, she did not require medical attention. Following her rescue, she expressed deep gratitude to all the responders during a debriefing held at SVSAR headquarters.

With the rescue mission completed, the heli team flew back to Jackson without the need for ground assistance. They landed at the TCSAR hangar a mere five minutes before darkness descended.

A Valued Partnership and a Safe Rescue

TCSAR extends its appreciation to SVSAR for their valuable partnership and seamless coordination throughout the rescue operation. The successful outcome underscores the importance of collaboration and expertise in handling challenging backcountry situations. Both TCSAR and SVSAR are pleased to have been able to ensure the hiker’s safe return and bring the incident to a positive conclusion.

As outdoor enthusiasts continue to explore the rugged landscapes of Wyoming and beyond, the dedication and capabilities of search and rescue organizations like TCSAR and SVSAR provide reassurance and vital support to those who find themselves in need of assistance.