A 10-year-old Colorado boy is safe and back with his family after getting lost while riding an ATV in the Rampart Range area.
The boy, who realized he was lost and called 911 for help, was quickly located and rescued by search and rescue teams using a combination of ATVs, foot patrols, and drones.
How the Boy Got Lost
The 10-year-old was riding an ATV in the Rampart Range, a rugged mountain range that spans Douglas, El Paso, and Teller counties in Pike National Forest.
When he realized he was lost, he stayed calm and immediately called 911 for assistance.
His quick thinking allowed dispatchers to obtain his GPS coordinates, which were crucial in coordinating the search and pinpointing his location.
The boy’s location was challenging to reach due to the rough terrain, but his decision to stay put made the rescue smoother for the crews.
Rescue Efforts in Action
Search crews, including ATVs, foot patrols, and drones, worked together to locate the boy.
A drone was dispatched to communicate with him and drop a care package that included food, water, warm clothing, and a thermal blanket.
This allowed the boy to stay comfortable until rescuers arrived.
The GPS coordinates were used to guide the search efforts effectively, ensuring that the teams could reach him without delay.
The drone was instrumental in bridging the gap between the boy’s location and the rescuers, making the operation successful.
The Joyful Reunion
Rescue crews reached the boy before sunset, and he was safely brought back to his family.
The reunion was a joyous moment for everyone involved, as it marked the successful end of a tense situation.
Officials described the reunion as “priceless,” highlighting the emotional relief and happiness in reuniting the lost boy with his parents.
The rescue operation was a testament to the effectiveness of modern search and rescue technology and the quick response of the Douglas County Search and Rescue team.
