Extensive search in Ochocos finds missing Prineville man

A Prineville man who failed to return home from a drive in the Ochoco National Forest Tuesday prompted an extensive 12-hour air and ground search that ended Wednesday morning when he was found by a family member in his pickup, stuck in the snow and mud, authorities said.

The sheriff’s office was contacted around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday by a family member of Cody Edgerly, 39, who’d left home Tuesday morning in his 2002 Chevy four-door pickup but didn’t return home in the afternoon, as he usually does, Sgt. Chris Estes said.

Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers looked through the night and into the early morning, along with family members who continued searching throughout the night.

The search effort included areas around Walton Lake, Crystal Springs and Forest Service Road 27 over the Ochoco Summit and into the McKay Road area, near Bandit Springs. A private plane also flew those areas looking for him.

The extensive search covered most of the Ochocos, Estes said.

A family member found Edgerly around 9:15 p.m.m in good condition, Estes said. He had left his travel route and plans with family, but changed his route slightly and became stuck in the snow and mud, also making it harder to find him.

Edgerly was not prepared or equipped for an overnight stay, Estes said. He had a cellphone with him, but efforts to “ping” it did not help pinpoint his location.

Estes said the sheriff’s office wants to remind everyone to leave detailed plans with someone when venturing into the wilderness and to try to stick to it.

“It’s always a good idea to have some basic supplies like food, water and warm clothing in your vehicle, if you do become stuck or stranded,” the sergeant said.

The sheriff’s office also has available for the public small pamphlets with an “outing plan” that can be filled out with important information and left with family members, Estes said. It also has a recommended list of items to keep on hand, as well as survival tips.