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Long Beach man trapped behind waterfall for 3 days
Rescue crews in Sequoia National Forest had to airlift a Long Beach man who had been trapped behind a waterfall for three days.
TULARE COUNTY, Calif. - Rescue teams in Sequoia National Forest this week were able to save a Southern California man who had been trapped underneath a waterfall for three days.
Timeline:
Ryan Wardwell from Long Beach was last seen on Sunday, Aug. 10, at the top of the Seven Teacups waterfalls in the Kern River. According to officials, Wardwell was planning on rappelling down the falls, but didn't return to his car Sunday night.
Local sheriff's deputies searched the area all day on Monday using aircraft with infrared detection, but weren't able to find Wardell.
The next morning, crews were able to find Wardwell after flying a drone behind the waterfall. Officials then threw a rescue helicopter in and were able to lift Wardwell out to safety.
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What we know:
According to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, Wardwell tried to rappel down the falls, but was taken off the line by the fast-moving water, and was trapped.
The helicopter took Wardwell to a landing zone. After three days, Wardell was suffering from dehydration and suffered only minor injuries. He was then reunited with his family.
The Source: Information in this story is from an Instagram post from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.