Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is gripped with concern as 75-year-old hiker Jerry Bailey was reported missing on Friday, September 1. Bailey, an avid outdoorsman, was last seen embarking on a hiking trip near Skyline Drive on Wednesday, August 30. His backpack was discovered at the Pinefield Hut, heightening fears for his safety.
Described as 5’11” and weighing 180 pounds, with white hair and brown eyes, Jerry Bailey’s disappearance has prompted park rangers to appeal to fellow hikers and the public for any information that could aid in his search and rescue.
According to Bailey’s daughter, Laura Bailey Young, her father had plans to explore the Appalachian Trail, but concern mounted when family and friends were unable to reach him, leading to the formal report of his disappearance on September 1.
The National Park Service is conducting a missing person search in Joshua Tree National Park. pic.twitter.com/CNR8YrVGlD
— Joshua Tree NPS (@JoshuaTreeNPS) May 6, 2023
As of Saturday, September 2, authorities have refrained from divulging additional details about the circumstances surrounding Jerry Bailey’s vanishing act. However, a full-scale search operation was initiated on Friday morning, with the involvement of Shenandoah National Park Search and Rescue personnel, supported by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Reports from WRIC indicate that additional state resources have been requested to bolster the search efforts.
Jerry Bailey’s case highlights the challenge of tracking missing individuals in national parks. While the US National Park Service does not have a formal obligation to compile data on park disappearances, they do maintain records of those believed to have gone missing on their grounds. In 2017 alone, Search and Rescue (SAR) organizations conducted 3453 missions to rescue missing individuals. Unfortunately, if a missing person is never found, SAR organizations do not document the discovery of their remains.
Data from the National Park Service reveals that since its establishment in 1916, over 1,000 missing person cases have been documented across various national parks in the United States. Speaking to News Nation Now, former Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Specialist Jessie Krebs emphasized the importance of preparation for outdoor excursions, particularly for inexperienced hikers.
Krebs advised, “Tell at least two people before you head out there and, if you can, take a picture of the map and write down the route you’ll be taking and where you’ll be staying each night. Document all the gear you’re carrying, including signaling devices.” Such precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of those venturing into the wilderness.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
