BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A 17-year-old boy was safely rescued Thursday night after becoming separated from his group while hiking in Piney Creek Gorge near the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex.
The Beckley Police Department and Beckley Fire Department responded to the call at around 9:15 p.m. on May 29.
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Two other hikers were already in the Gorge searching for the missing teen when emergency crews arrived.
Firefighters launched a drone to assist in the search, while police and emergency services tracked the teen’s cellphone, which led them to his location along the railroad tracks in the Gorge.
Both departments used utility terrain vehicles to reach the teen and the two other hikers. All three were safely brought out of the Gorge, and no injuries were reported.
Beckley Police Chief Dean Bailey praised the teamwork between the city’s police and fire departments that led to the successful rescue.
