Stranded Hiker Discovered in Washington after a Month-Long Ordeal Might Have Had Sparse Survival Time Remaining, According to Rescuer's Statement
Robert Schock, aged 39, was last spotted by fellow hikers in a specific park location on July 31, and he wasn't carrying any camping gear, as per the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office's statement to CNN.
He was reportedly saved and transported to a hospital on August 30, according to authorities.
As per Jeff Kish, the executive director of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association, in a late Wednesday Facebook post, "When our team came across Robert, he managed to communicate that he had been stationary, trapped in that very spot for roughly two weeks."
The search lasted almost a month
On August 3, park officials alerted the authorities about an abandoned vehicle at the Hannegan Pass trailhead. They also mentioned discovering a dog they believed to be Schock's, 8 miles away on a trail near the Chilliwack River, as stated in the press release.
Responding deputies examined the vehicle and found Schock's wallet on the dashboard with the windows rolled down, as the sheriff's office reported.
On August 7, park rangers conducted ground searches in the remote area multiple times and joined deputies in a helicopter search of the area. However, they found no leads about Schock's location.
A US Border Patrol air search on August 16 of Chilliwack Basin and a ground search in the area where the dog was found also turned up no hints, authorities said.
"On August 30, WCSO deputies were informed by National Parks Service rangers that Schock was found alive and well in the Chilliwack Basin," the sheriff's office stated in the press release.
Schock: Alive but far from well
Kish challenged the official statement about Schock's health when he was rescued by his Pacific Northwest Trail Association team, he wrote on Facebook.
"Robert was found alive but surely not in great condition," Kish wrote. "It's believed by those involved in the rescue that Robert might have had just another day left before the outcome would have been much more grim."
Kish and his crew were engaged in restoring a trail damaged by fires on the day they found Schock, according to him. They were returning to camp after a long day when they heard a faint sound near the Chilliwack River as they crossed it, he shared.
"It wasn't immediately obvious that they had heard a person, but their instinct was to take the time to investigate, just to be sure," Kish wrote.
The team heard Schock calling for help, as reported by CNN affiliate KIRO.
Schock was discovered about half a mile off the trail along the river's bank, "exposed and at the mercy of the elements," according to Kish, who added: "His situation was critical."
The team provided essential aid to Schock for several hours until rescue teams arrived to transport him to the hospital, according to Kish.
CNN has reached out to the National Park Service for further information.
Given that Robert Schock was rescued on August 30 and was found in a critical condition, it's important for us to ensure he receives necessary medical care and support during his recovery.
Furthermore, the Pacific Northwest Trail Association team played a significant role in finding Schock and providing initial aid, demonstrating the importance of their work in maintaining trails and assisting hikers in need.
