A Florida tourist has triggered a massive rescue operation after trying to climb a dangerous California mountain wearing running shoes and a sweater.
The 39-year-old man spent two nights stranded with a severely injured leg on an icy part of Mount Shasta with limited equipment to keep him warm.
Up to 30 search and rescue response (SAR) members took part in a terrifying multi-day mission in freezing temperatures that began on October 18.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), deputies responded to the tourist's 911 distress call at around 5pm before immediately initiating a search and rescue response (SAR). Authorities notified the USFS Climbing Rangers and the California Highway Patrol air operations for additional aid.
'At the time of his distress call Sunday evening, the injured climber was wearing only sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and running shoes, and was not equipped for an overnight stay on the glacier, as nighttime temperatures dipped below freezing,' the SCSO wrote in a Facebook statement.
Officials said the man was climbing down the Avalanche Gulch earlier in the day around 3pm before he 'ran into trouble on the descent, following an erroneous GPS route that led him onto the Whitney Glacier.'
While crossing the large glacier towering at 12,600 feet, the climber tumbled through a snow bridge and severely injured his leg. He spent hours trapped and stranded and was forced to wait for help until the next morning.
On Monday night, USFS Climbing Rangers finally reached him and treated him for his leg injury, frostbite and hypothermia.
A Florida tourist triggered a massive rescue operation after spending two nights stranded with a severely injured leg on Mount Shasta
Officials reported the man was climbing down the Avalanche Gulch on Mount Shasta earlier in the day before running into trouble after following an 'erroneous GPS route'
Up to 30 search and rescue response (SAR) members completed a terrifying mission in freezing temperatures
While crossing the large glacier towering at 12,600 feet, the climber tumbled through a snow bride and severely injured his leg
'The USFS Climbing Rangers had to then spend another harrowing night at 12,500 ft with the injured man, as the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office mobilized over 30 additional search and rescue personnel to perform a ground extraction,' the SCSO wrote in their statement.
According to a US Geological Survey, the Mount Shasta mountain range peaks at over 14,000 feet and is the 'most voluminous of all the Cascade Range volcanoes' in California.
Officials reported that during the rescue mission air operators previously attempted to extract the man but could not travel through the severe weather conditions.
Police authorities described the unexpected accident as 'complicated' with its high winds and poor visibility.
According to SFGATE, five teenage climbers were among the other 11 Marin County SAR members who carried the 39-year-old man down the steep mountain range to an awaiting helicopter on Tuesday afternoon.
The brave group are understood to have endured 60mph winds, rockfall hazards and freezing temperatures.
Authorities said the man's condition was 'deteriorating rapidly,' as a CHP helicopter transported him to a nearby hospital.
The Florida tourist is being treated for his injuries.
Rescuers are understood to have endured 60mph winds, rockfall hazards and freezing temperatures.
Authorities said the man's condition was 'deteriorating rapidly,' as a CHP helicopter transported him to a nearby hospital
According to a US Geological Survey, the Mount Shasta mountain range peaks at over 14,000 feet and is 'most voluminous of all the Cascade Range volcanoes' in California
According to the LA Times, this two-night mission comes just five days after two Utah residents spent 36-hours in 15-degree temperatures at the Avalanche Gulch before being rescued by a SCSO team.
'These rescuers demonstrated impressive resolve throughout the entire ordeal, persevering in extreme conditions, and executing the mission with a relentless commitment to the saving of a life,' the SCSO wrote in their statement.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the SCSO police department and the California Highway Patrol Office of Air Operations for comment.
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