November 19, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT
LIEUTENANT DAVID MOYER
(540) 928-2260
DMOYER@BOTETOURTVA.GOV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
LOST HIKER AND INFANT FOUND – ROARING RUN FURNACE TRAIL
FINCASTLE, VA – The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office and its Drone Team along with the Eagle Rock Volunteer Fire Department, personnel from the Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS, the Virginia Conservation Police, and the Botetourt County Special Operations Team (SOTT), conducted a search for a missing 25-year-old mother and her 8-month-old daughter on the Roaring Run Furnace Trail. The incident occurred on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
At approximately 5:50 p.m., Botetourt County Emergency Communications Center-911 received a call from family members reporting their daughter and her infant child lost in the Jefferson National Forest, prompting a swift response.
With cooler temperatures expected to influence the area, deputies and emergency services personnel quickly deployed resources and formed search teams to begin search efforts.
At approximately 9:02 p.m., a search and rescue team located both the mother and infant on the Hoop Hole trail in good health.
At approximately 11:07 p.m. both mother and infant were safely rescued from the trail.
Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS personnel evaluated the mother and child reuniting them with family members present at scene.
The Hoop Hole Loop Trail is approximately 8.4 miles in length, located adjacent to the Roaring Run Furnace Trail in the Jefferson National Forest. The trail is considered to be moderately difficult to navigate with challenging elevated terrain.
“We are extremely grateful for the combined efforts of our Drone Team and emergency services personnel. Their collaborative approach ensured a successful rescue operation,” said Sheriff Matt Ward.
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