Nine-year-old Stratton Wright – who spent Wednesday night alone in the Uinta National Wilderness, was found safe this Thursday morning and has been reunited with his family.
Wright, of Idaho, was hiking Wednesday evening with his family when he became separated from them about 8 p.m. The Summit County Sheriff’s office received a 911 call at about 9:45 p.m. Crews searched throughout the night both on the ground and in the air.
Summit County Sheriff’s Lt. Andrew Wright said he will have more details about how and where the young boy was found after speaking with those search and rescue crews, but the good news, he says, is that the boy was found alive.
“We are extremely happy that he was found safe and has been reunited with his father,” Wright said.
Stratton was able to climb into the helicopter and was reported to be in good condition and conscious, breathing, and alert when he was found.
Temperatures in that location, Wright says, can drop into the 30s – even the 20s – overnight.
“I understand that there were some thunderstorms that moved through last night so that may have cooled things off a bit, but definitely it can get cold at high elevation,” he said. “We’re just glad that he's been found safe and that we were able to get him back to his family.”
Wright laid out some safety tips for families headed out to the backcountry with kids.
“If someone becomes lost, of course, if you have the ability – make a fire and get out in the open,” Wright said. “We don't want people to stay in the trees. If you can find an open spot and you know that you're lost, it's easier for our searchers, especially when we're up in the air. And know that searchers are looking for you. Make noise and then, of course, when you go in the backcountry, we always suggest that you make sure you have all the proper supplies.”
Those supplies include food, water, and appropriate clothing and footwear. He also suggests packing a whistle and instructing kids to stay where they are when they realize they’re lost and to seek shelter, if necessary, somewhere close by.
