'We Were Already Convinced We Were Going To Die': Teens Rescued After Days Stranded In Snowstorm
March 7, 2023
Two teenagers have been rescued after spending five days stranded in a California snowstorm.
Credit: KATU / KTVL
Riley Ramirez, 17, and Cole White, 17, were planning to hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. They were dropped off near the trailhead in Whitewater, California on February 26.
But when the snow began pummeling the mountains, Riley's father, Cesar, lost contact with them through a tracking app.
The parents' last established contact with the teens was on February 28. They eventually contacted the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
"Due to the severe weather conditions experienced throughout the region and lost communication from the hikers, a search and rescue operation was initiated," the department said in a statement.
They dispatched a helicopter to the boys' last known location, followed their foot tracks, and rescued both Riley and Cole.
The teens were flown to the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station where they got medical attention, food, and a warm place to wait for their parents.
Riley and Cole told officials how severe the weather conditions were and believed they would have not survived without help from the sheriff's department.
During the five days they were hiking, they encountered four to five feet of snow drifts, limiting visibility and making it difficult to stay on the trail.
Riley had lost his jacket to the wind, and their tent had broken, his father said.
"They told us, 'We were already convinced we were going to die'," he said.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
'It Just Looks Cool To Me': Son Sews A Shirt For His Dad In Wholesome Video
Heartbreaking Video Of Dog Sitting Outside In The Rain Has Happy Ending
Calf Born With Smiley Face Markings Lands Role As Farm Lawnmower For Life
Man Shares Hilarious Starbucks Moment With Adorable Grandma
This Teacher Created A 'Tattle Box' For Her 3rd Graders And The Complaints Are Hilarious
NASA Posts Hilarious Response To Joke About Confusing Scientists By Placing An Object On Mars
Whale Has Built Up Years Of Trust With Boat Captain To Remove Lice From Its Head
'It Just Looks Cool To Me': Son Sews A Shirt For His Dad In Wholesome Video
Watch The Moment This Mother Seal Realizes Her Baby Is Alive
When Your Dog Is King Of The House
This Dog Was Surrounded By A Pack Of Coyotes When A Neighbor's Dog Came To The Rescue