Missing Gorge hiker calls 911, search teams on way

(Update: Hiker calls 911; visual sighting by searchers)

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) – Authorities say a Columbia River Gorge hiker who texted a family member Sunday saying she was hurt called 911 Monday, enabling search crews to pinpoint her location.

Hood River County Sheriff’s Deputy Joel Ives says Leslie Drapiza, of Silverton, called 911 and that by 7 p.m., search crews reported getting a visual sighting of her.

Ives says crews were hoping to reach her and bring her out safely within a few hours.

Drapiza was last seen around Warren Lake after starting her hike Sunday at the Starvation Creek Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge west of Hood River.

The search was hampered by storms in the area that had left about 1 ½ feet of snow.

Authorities say Drapiza was able to provide some landmarks to help find her location in her text messages.