Arizona Man Rescued After Being Stranded in California’s Los Padres National Forest

CNN
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CNN

Stranded Motorist Found Thanks to Flashlight and Keen Eyes

An Arizona man was successfully rescued after spending several days stranded in the cold backcountry of California’s Los Padres National Forest. The rescue was made possible by the dim light of his flashlight and the sharp observation skills of a first responder who was rescuing another individual at the time.

The 65-year-old motorist, identified as Brent Lendriet from Phoenix, Arizona, was found and rescued earlier this week, according to a news release from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.

An Unexpected Discovery During a Routine Call

On Tuesday, the sheriff’s station in Lockwood Valley received a call regarding a motorist who was stuck behind a winter gate in the Grande Valley area. Responding to the call, a deputy and a dispatcher arrived at the scene and released the motorist from the closed area.

While in the area, the officials decided to conduct a thorough search as the motorist mentioned the presence of other vehicles behind the gate.

A Glimmer of Hope in the Distance

As they ventured approximately 10 miles away from the highway, the dispatcher noticed a faint light in the distance. Upon bringing it to the attention of the deputy, they drove towards the source and discovered a flashlight being held by a 65-year-old male, later identified as Brent Lendriet.

A Miraculous Rescue

Lendriet was found wearing wet clothing and appeared malnourished. He informed the responders that he had driven his vehicle around the locked gate four days earlier and had become stuck ever since.

The rescue team promptly provided necessary medical assistance to Lendriet and safely transported him out of the area to a secure location. Eventually, with the assistance of the deputies, Lendriet’s vehicle was retrieved and moved back onto the highway.

A Near-Death Experience Averted

The news release stated, “Had it not been for the exceptional attention of the dispatcher in spotting the faint light, the stranded individual may not have survived much longer without access to food, water, and with the forecasted below freezing temperatures.”

Inclement Weather and Safety Reminders

This rescue operation occurred shortly after California faced severe storms, which resulted in flooding and snowfall across the state. In light of this incident, officials emphasized the importance of respecting closed or locked gates for safety reasons. They warned that circumventing these barriers could potentially endanger lives.