Lost Post-area hiker calls for help, rescued

A new resident of the unincorporated Crook County town of Post got lost on a hike Tuesday evening, prompting a search that found him okay but a bit dehydrated, sheriff’s deputies said.

Sgt. James Savage said he was dispatched around 7:30 p.m. to a home on Southeast Osprey Road after Jason Athanasopulos, 32, had walked off the property and gotten lost.

Savage said he and county Emergency Manager Mike Ryan began to search for the man, as sheriff’s Search and Rescue resources were being activated.

Athanasopulos was found a short time later, just before dusk, walking on Southeast Colby Road, in good health though slightly dehydrated, Savage said.

Deputies learned Athansopulos had just moved into the area and was not familiar with the area he was hiking. Savage said he got turned around and walked for several hours before calling 911.

He was provided water and given a ride home.

Savage said the incident was a reminder to those enjoying the Central Oregon outdoors to “be prepared for emergencies. Take supplies with you to deal with the hot weather and unforeseen situations.”