Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies resumed efforts to locate a hiker who went missing on Sunday. At approximately 12:50 PM on Monday, Deputies located the missing female and were able to make verbal contact with her. With assistance from Vestavia Police Department’s Swift Water Rescue, she was able to be removed from her location after multiple deputies swam across the large creek to make physical contact with the hiker. They stayed with her and stabilized her until she could be lifted out of the area. She is receiving medical treatment at this time but is expected to recover.
Sheriff’s Deputies, K-9 Units, Star 1 and rescue personnel from multiple jurisdictions searched until almost midnight and were unable to locate the missing hiker. The search was called for the night due to extremely rugged terrain. Personnel reconvened the search this morning. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many municipalities who reached out to assist in our efforts. Without the teamwork of everyone involved, this could have been a much different outcome. We are thankful that she has been safely rescued and is being properly cared for. The only injury to personnel was to a K-9 Deputy. Deputy “Razor” has received medical treatment for broken bones but should also fully recover.