Search and Rescue Teams Credited With Locating Lost Mushroom Picker

Lost overnight in the dark, the 62-year old man walked and at times crawled throughout the night, except for about 2 hours when he was able to sleep.‏

(SCOTTS MILLS, Ore.) - A mushroom picker lost overnight off of Crooked Finger Road in Scotts Mills near Camp Dakota, was recovered safely by search teams from Marion County's Sheriff's Office this morning. The man's friend became concerned and called 911 around 9:00 PM Friday night.

Lt. Sheila Lorance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, says 62-year old Kenneth Ray Gibson of Yamhill, went with a friend to pick mushrooms around 2:00 PM.

"They reportedly became separated around 2:30 PM and when his friend returned to the car Gibson was not there. She waited for three hours and when he didn't return she went to Scotts Mill to call the Sheriff's Office."

Lorance says Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area and activated Search and Rescue Teams.

Over 40 Marion County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue members and full time staff searched the area for Gibson as soon as it was light enough to do so.

At approximately 8:30 AM, Crew 18 members made voice contact with Gibson and located him a short time later. It did take several hours to get him out of the area.

The Sheriff's Office Posse and Jeep patrol were instrumental in getting Gibson out and delivering him to waiting medics from Woodburn Fire District where he was evaluated, Lorance said.

"Gibson was very cold, wet and thirsty but had no other injuries. He was transported to the Silverton Hospital in good condition."

Gibson indicated to searchers that while he was looking for mushrooms he became disoriented. When it became dark he walked and at times crawled throughout the night, except for about 2 hours when he was able to sleep.

Lorance says the Sheriff's Office wants to thank the Search and Rescue Volunteers who responded and remind everyone that when going into the wilderness it is essential to be prepared.

"Even if you think you will only be out for a few hours you should carry basic emergency items such as a working cell phone, water, food, flashlight, space blanket and medical supplies."

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EazyMoney November 24, 2008 9:47 am (Pacific time)

Always a good idea to pack along a few extra items on a foray, especially if you're going to an area you've never been to before. I keep a compass on my keyring. This time of year its a good idea to pack along a lighter and a small flashlight. As well as a bit of food and some water. Lots of hunters in the woods too, so its not a bad idea to wear orange either. Decent outdoor clothing is a good idea as well. It gets cold at night now. Its pretty easy to get turned around in the woods around here. Hypothermia is going to be your worst enemy. Have fun shroom pickin... Although the fall season is almost over and winter pickin is tricky at best. Good luck!

Vic November 23, 2008 7:10 am (Pacific time)

Two "hippies" are out picking mushrooms at the coast..pick a few..eat a few, etc. An hour later they are both on their bellies crawling down the railroad tracks. "Man, this is the longest flight of stairs Ive ever been on!" one of them exclaims. "Well it wouldnt be so bad" the other replies "if they hadnt made the hand rail so damn low"

JB November 22, 2008 7:39 pm (Pacific time)

So Vic's a mushroom eater, that explains all his rants

Vic November 22, 2008 4:15 pm (Pacific time)

Its easy to get disoriented while picking mushrooms, especially those one kind...

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