Missing Hiker Rescued Near Mount Whitney’s Summit

A Mount Whitney hiker who went missing as a late-season storm swept through the Sierra Nevada last week was rescued during the weekend, authorities said.

Searchers found Edward Lee Alderman alive several miles west of the Whitney summit on Sunday, a Sequoia National Park statement said.

Rescued Hike Is From Texas

Alderman, 33, of Austin, Texas, was “reported to be alert, despite injuries, fatigue, and exposure to subfreezing temperatures,” the statement said.

Alderman had last been seen as he hiked to the summit on Thursday and he was reported missing on Friday.

Mount Whitney’s summit elevation is about 14,500 feet in elevation.

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Edward Lee Alderman

Tip From Another Hiker Paid Off

Helicopter crews searched the area on Saturday and ground searchers went in on Sunday after the storm cleared out.

The missing man was located with the help of a tip from other hikers who reported they heard a voice in the vicinity of Timberline Lake early Sunday. A helicopter picked him up and took him for medical care, the National Park Service said.

“We are thrilled and relieved to report that Mr. Alderman is alive, safe, and on his way to definitive medical care,” said Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Incident Commander Dave Fox. “With large numbers of people heading into the wilderness this summer, we urgently remind everyone to prepare carefully for their trips and understand that there are real risks out there.

“We know that Mr. Alderman and his loved ones have been through a lot in the last few days and we’re so glad he’s going home.”

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