A harrowing three-day search operation concluded with immense relief early Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, after two Missing Hikers were successfully located, alive and relatively well, deep within the treacherous terrain of the Crossfell Outdoors Reserve. The two individuals, identified as Ms. Clara Jensen, 28, and Mr. David Chen, 31, were last seen setting off for a day hike on the popular ‘Eagle Peak Trail’ on Monday afternoon. Their emergency beacon was activated briefly on Monday evening at approximately 7:45 PM before failing entirely, sparking a massive, multi-agency search that thankfully ended with a positive outcome.
The pair were found by a volunteer search-and-rescue team operating a drone equipped with thermal imaging technology. They were discovered sheltering near a remote, unmarked stream bed, approximately seven miles off their intended route and hidden by dense fog that had blanketed the upper regions of the reserve for the past 48 hours. Search and Rescue Chief Thomas Vance of the Crossfell Emergency Services (CES) confirmed that both individuals were suffering from mild hypothermia and dehydration but had sustained no major injuries. “They had the presence of mind to stay put after their beacon failed, which was critical to our ability to find them,” Vance stated in a press briefing held at the reserve’s command center. The hikers were airlifted by helicopter to County General Hospital in the nearby town of Summitville for observation and treatment.
The extensive search effort involved over 150 personnel, including mountain rescue specialists, local law enforcement from the Summitville Police Department, and CES teams. The terrain of the Crossfell Reserve is notoriously difficult, characterized by steep cliffs and sudden weather shifts, which complicated the search for the Missing Hikers. Police Chief Helen Thorne noted that the resources expended on the operation were significant and underscored the importance of hikers carrying fully charged communication devices and adequate supplies, even for short trips. The Missing Hikers‘ survival was largely attributed to the fact that they packed emergency rations and thermal blankets, allowing them to withstand the unexpectedly cold nighttime temperatures, which dropped below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of wilderness exploration and has prompted the Crossfell Reserve management to consider new regulations. On Friday, the reserve announced plans to mandate that all visitors undertaking trails longer than five miles must register their route and carry a functional satellite communication device beginning August 1, 2025. Mr. Elias Thorne, a spokesperson for the reserve, emphasized that while they are overjoyed that the Missing Hikers were found safe, the close call necessitates greater accountability from visitors. The successful rescue, completed just after sunrise on Thursday, has brought a wave of relief to the community that had been holding vigil since the pair were reported overdue.