Crook County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue comes to the aid of two men whose car broke down deep in the Ochocos

Walked three miles in bad weather for cell coverage: 'Winter is upon us'

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Crook County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue was called out Wednesday to help two Salem-area men whose car became disabled on Tuesday, stranding them deep in the Ochoco Mountains, and who spent the night in the woods, then walked three miles to get cellphone coverage.

Crook County dispatchers were notified around noon of the two stranded motorists on Forest Service Road 2735, in an area with limited cell coverage, Deputy Andy Pearson said.

After checking the coordinates and weather, SAR chose to get a small team moving quickly, Pearson said. The pair, whose Subaru Impreza developed transmission problems, were not dressed for the conditions and apparently had no shelter.

Three SAR members were contacted and two set up command and communication, while the third and a SAR coordinator traveled to the scene. Using GPS and ham radio, they were able to get to the subjects in just over an hour amid deteriorating conditions.

“The roads were very slick with ice and snow in the high points and really muddy and wet in the low points,” Pearson said.

The pair were stranded overnight and were found very wet, cold and dehydrated. Pearson said they were brought back to Prineville so they could make arrangements to recover their car.

Despite not being fully prepared for what happened, Pearson said the two men, who were “out to see some new country,” did much right, as they followed the direction from dispatchers to stay where they were, and they were found “right where they said they’d be.”

“Crook County SAR would like to remind everyone that winter is upon us,” Pearson said. “When traveling, please have clothing for winter and supplies. Please let someone know where you are going, and stick to your plan. Drive safe and have a safe New Year.”

Pearson said Crook County SAR has been out on about 30 missions this year, including numerous rescues last winter.