LOST HIKER ON SOUTH SISTER ASSISTED BY DCSAR
Occurred: 07/27/2016 at 1800 hours
Location: South Sisters
Rescued: Nole Sigona, 32-year-old male from Bend OR
NARRATIVE:
On 07/27/2016 at about 1800 hours Quincy Sigona called Deschutes County 911 to report her brother, Nole Sigona, had become lost after summiting South Sister. Nole provided his coordinates which were verified by a cell phone ping when he later called 911. Nole was approximately one mile west of the summit of South Sister and the South Sister Climber Trail. This area of South Sister is steep, with loose terrain. Nole requested assistance in finding the trail as he was not equipped for an overnight stay and had no source of light other than his cell phone. Nole had a small amount of food and water, but had no clothing other than the shorts and t-shirt he was wearing.
A Deschutes County Search and Rescue Deputy was able to assist Nole via phone in returning to the summit and finding the trail, which he did at about 2045 hours. Nole traveled south on the climbers trail until it became too dark to continue without a light source, at around 2150 hours.
A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team of four volunteers hiked in from the Devil’s Lake Trail head, locating Nole at about 2310 hours in good health. The Search and Rescue team escorted Nole off the mountain and back to his vehicle.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those recreating in the back country to always prepare for varying conditions and carry the “10 Essentials for Wilderness Survival”. This would include sources for navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire, repair kit/tools, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter.
