A 24-year-old California woman was found alive atop a river canyon near the Yuba River in Northern California, 12 days after disappearing from a camping trip. The woman, identified as 24-year-old Esmeralda Marie Pineda, had been missing since late August. Her rescue brought relief to her family and friends after an extensive search by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and volunteers.
Rescue After Nearly Two Weeks in the Wilderness
Pineda, from Sacramento, was severely dehydrated and emaciated when found on a canyon ledge by search and rescue teams. She was immediately airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The extent of her injuries remains unclear, but authorities are grateful she was found alive. “The Sheriff’s Office and our search and rescue volunteers covered extensive ground throughout our search, and we are thankful today to find her alive,” said Sgt. Dustin Moe, one of the rescuers.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office launched the search immediately after Pineda was reported missing. The search effort involved both law enforcement and volunteers, who faced treacherous terrain in the Yuba River Canyon. Searchers had to rappel into and out of the canyon, covering challenging and rugged ground, in their efforts to locate her.
Disappearance from a Camping Trip
Pineda had been camping with friends in Nevada City, a town approximately 63 miles from Sacramento, when she went missing. According to reports, Pineda expressed a desire to return to Sacramento the night before she disappeared. However, the following morning, her friends noticed she was gone. Details of how Pineda managed to survive nearly two weeks in the wilderness are still unknown. Investigators believe she climbed up the canyon walls before eventually being spotted by rescuers. The sheriff’s office has not disclosed if Pineda had any supplies with her or if she was able to access water or food during the ordeal.
A Community Effort and Ongoing Investigation
The disappearance and eventual rescue of Pineda has drawn attention to the challenges of wilderness survival, especially in Northern California’s remote and rugged areas. The search for Pineda involved significant community effort, with volunteers working alongside law enforcement in dangerous conditions to ensure her safe return. As Pineda recovers in the hospital, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and survival. They are exploring how she managed to endure the harsh environment of the canyon for nearly two weeks, as well as the exact reasons for her initial departure from the camp.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has not yet provided further details on Pineda’s condition or when she will be released from the hospital. However, the successful rescue has brought relief to her family and the community, who anxiously awaited news of her fate.
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