A missing 85-year-old Sparwood man was found with an ankle injury along a forest service road when he was reported missing on Saturday, May 31.
Elk Valley RCMP say the man was reported as missing shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday, after he was supposed to meet with a friend.
The man was travelling to a remote cabin in the area and planned to return in time for dinner, but he did not arrive.
Elk Valley RCMP say officers did some initial investigating with the help of Crowsnest Pass RCMP, with home checks, financial checks and cellphone pings to try finding the man, with no success.
Shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday, police received a report from a pair of witnesses who found the missing man’s truck near Phillips Peak along Weigert Creek Forest Service Road.
The man’s truck became stuck, and he left the vehicle on foot, but he injured his ankle and was forced to spend the night outside in somewhat difficult conditions.
RCMP called for help from Search and Rescue teams in Elkford and Sparwood, along with the BC Ambulance Service.
SAR teams were able to quickly locate the man and take him to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
“Elk Valley Regional RCMP wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to our SAR volunteers who donate their time helping with these events in our communities,” said Elk Valley RCMP officials.
The RCMP says it’s important to be prepared for emergencies, even if you are heading out for a relatively short amount of time.
“Police would like to remind everyone headed out in the back country to let someone know what your travel plans and destinations are, to carry appropriate equipment for self-care (including clothing, food and water) and to carry a device capable of communicating with your point of contact or emergency services while on your ‘off the grid’ journey,” said Elk Valley RCMP.
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