Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Press Release:

On 04-08-2012, approximately 7:00 p.m. the California Department of Forestry relayed a 911 call to the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office from two females who said they were lost in the woods. The females said they were unsure where they were at and requested assistance. The
dispatcher was able to utilize the missing female’s cell phone GPS Coordinates’ to provide responding search and rescue deputies with a general location where the females were.

The two females identified as Melody Sorenson, 54 years old and Heather Hayden, 44 years old, both from Evanston, Wyoming along with their two dogs were located at approximately 9:00 p.m. approximately 6 miles out Burr Valley Road. Both were in good health, just hungry and cold. They told the deputy who located them they parked their car at the Dinsmore Store and went for a hike earlier in the day. It became dark and they got lost.

The Sheriffs Office would like to remind hikers to tell family and friends where they are hiking, when they expect to return, bring appropriate equipment and clothing. This time of year the weather conditions can change rapidly. A cell phone, map or GPS is also very helpful. Keep in mind not all rural areas have cell phone coverage, a cell phone batteries need to be fully charged.