A Florida man had to be rescued from a freezing, snow-capped mountain wearing clothes suited more to a light stroll than a dangerous hike.
The 39-year-old had managed to reach the summit of California’s Mount Shasta on Sunday, but fell through a snow bridge on his descent, seriously injuring his leg.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, along with U.S. Forest Service Climbing Rangers and California Highway Patrol helicopters, then carried out a multi-day search-and-rescue operation.
When the hiker put out his distress call, officials said he was only wearing “sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and running shoes, and was not equipped for an overnight stay on the glacier.”
Officials also said strong winds and poor visibility hampered the rescue operation.
The man was eventually found in the early hours of Monday morning and was treated for his injuries, including frostbite and the onset of hypothermia. However, the team and the hiker had to spend another freezing night on the mountainside as conditions were too severe to transport him.
A California Highway Patrol helicopter eventually reached the team on Tuesday afternoon and transported the climber to the hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries. Deputies said that rescuers had to navigate rockfall hazards, 50 to 60 mph winds, and freezing conditions, all while the man’s condition was “deteriorating rapidly.”
“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,” deputies said after the rescue.
Officials have not released the hiker’s name or where in Florida he is from.
