Border Patrol Rescues Stranded Snowshoer
COLVILLE, Wash. – U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued a stranded snowshoer as part of the search and rescue efforts for a resident in the Onion Creek area on Sunday.
Stevens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) requested the assistance of the Colville Station Border Patrol agents after they received a call from a local resident needing assistance. The man stated he had been fasting for 40 days and was attempting to snowshoe out of the Onion Creek area when he fell ill and could not continue due to his poor physical condition. Due to the resident’s weakened condition and temperatures hovering in the low single digits, SCSO dispatched Life Flight from Spokane, which located the resident but the helicopter was unable to land due to the mountainous terrain and snow. An agent deployed to the area on a tracked all-terrain vehicle where he found the man in dire need of assistance. The agent rendered first aid and transported the man to an awaiting ambulance. As of last evening, he was being treated at Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville and was in stable condition.
“We are pleased to hear that the individual is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery,” stated Acting Chief Patrol Agent David BeMiller. “The harsh environment that our agents work in every day presents many challenges, not only to routine patrols, but in emergency situations such as this. I am proud of the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol for being able to quickly respond to this situation and assist in the life saving efforts that occurred over the weekend.”
Bill Kingsford
(A) Special Operations Supervisor
U S Border Patrol | Spokane Sector
Public Affairs Office