Aug. 19—- A 76-year-old man was treated and later released after a drone located him Monday evening in a wooded area in rural Sunburg.
According to a news release from the
the
man was out checking deer stands with his 77-year-old friend from
when their all-terrain vehicle became stuck.
His friend went to find assistance and the two became separated. A missing persons report was made shortly after 6 p.m. Monday.
Deputies learned the New London man had been missing for more than three hours and had a medical condition.
A search of the area — in the 9900 block of Minnesota Highway 9, east of Sunburg — was quickly organized and included ATVs, drones, K-9 units, a helicopter and people searching on foot.
At around 8:40 p.m., the man was located by a drone. Searchers on an ATV were guided to his location and brought him to medical personnel waiting at the scene. He was transported by ambulance to CentraCare — Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, where he was treated and later released.
The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Sunburg Ambulance, Sunburg Fire Department, New London Fire Department, Lakes Area Rural Responders, Minnesota State Patrol Air Wing and troopers, and civilian volunteers.
In a written statement, Sheriff Eric Tollefson wrote, “The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all who contributed to the search and is thankful for the successful outcome.”