Lost Hiker Stayed Lost Because They Wouldn’t Answer Their Phone
Somewhere along Mount Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado, an unnamed hiker got lost and was overdue for their return. After repeated attempts to call them on their cell, a couple of search and rescue teams were sent out in hopes of tracking them down. Lake County Search and Rescue out of Leadville, Colorado posted details on Facebook.
The story ended happily when the hiker returned to their place of lodging on their own about 24 hours after they’d left for the hike. But why couldn’t the search and rescue teams reach the hiker by phone? It had nothing to do with spotty cell service. When asked why they didn’t answer their phone after repeated calls, the hiker said they didn’t make a habit of answering calls from unknown numbers.
I get it. No one wants to be bothered with spam calls about extending your car’s service warranty while you’re trying to enjoy the natural splendors of the Rocky Mountains. However, if you’re lost, and people know you’re lost, that unknown number that keeps calling you could very well be your ticket to safety.
