Lukas McClish, 34, endured a harrowing ten days stranded in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains after becoming lost during what was intended to be a brief hike. According to reports from CNN affiliate KGO, McClish set out on June 11 for what he expected to be a three-hour trek but found himself disoriented, compounded by the absence of recognizable landmarks due to recent wildfires in the area.
McClish’s family raised the alarm when he failed to appear for a Father’s Day dinner on June 16, prompting an extensive search effort by authorities. His rescue finally came on Thursday with the aid of a drone deployed by the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, as reported by Cal Fire San Mateo. McClish was discovered in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, known for its ancient coast redwood trees and recognized as California’s oldest state park.
During his ten-day ordeal, McClish managed to sustain himself by consuming a gallon of water daily—a crucial factor in his survival amid the challenging conditions of the wilderness. His resilience and the efforts of rescue teams ultimately ensured his safe return home.
