The Tennessee Highway Patrol used a helicopter and infrared technology to help find a couple that was lost in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
The couple and their dog went for a hike on Saturday, but got lost and were unable to find their vehicle, according to THP. They were able to call their daughter that night to tell her what was happening.
They called their daughter again on Sunday morning to tell her they spent the night in the woods and would try to find their way out. When they didn't reach their vehicle, a search was started.
Because of the rugged terrain the the sub-freezing temperatures, rangers requested air support.
The THP Jet Ranger helicopter began searching the area with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras. After about an hour and a half, the camera spotted the woman and the dog. The troopers on the helicopter directed ground searched to her location. She told them she had become separated from her husband and that he was lying on the ground somewhere and was not doing well.
The helicopter kept searching, and eventually spotted the man who was on the ground and having difficulty moving. Again, the searchers were guided to his location.
The woman was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening, cold weather-related injuries. The man was flown to UT Medical Center in serious condition.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Rescue Squad and rangers with NPS conducted the ground search.
