Missing 71-year-old Oregon hiker found safe 2 days later

A 71-year-old hiker who went missing in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Saturday has been found safe after spending two nights in the wilderness.

Joseph Dean of Portland was reported missing around 8:30 p.m. Saturday. He texted his wife in the afternoon saying he was lost somewhere on the Rock of Ages Trail in Multnomah County.

Rescue crews found Dean “conscious and breathing” Monday at 8:54 a.m. near the Horsetail Falls Trail and provided him first aid, the sheriff’s office said.

Dean was placed into a wheeled basket and guided down the rocky trail until he was reunited with family.

“Dean was transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation. He was talking and able to walk with assistance,” the Multnomah County Sheriff’s office said in a press release.

“He’s doing well and is being assisted back to the command post. Thank you to the dedicated members both Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search-and-Rescue Team,” Sheriff Mike Reese said.

Source ABC News