BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. — In a successful operation conducted by the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, a missing hiker and her 8-month-old baby were found safe after being reported lost in the Jefferson National Forest in Botetourt County.
Initiating a swift response, rescue teams, including the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, the Eagle Rock Volunteer Fire Department, Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS, the Virginia Conservation Police, and the Botetourt County Special Operations Team, mobilized to search for the missing duo on the Roaring Run Furnace Trail.
The search and rescue efforts proved successful , a team located the mother and her baby on the Hoop Hope trail, both in good health, according to the sheriff’s office.
Botetourt County Sheriff Matt Ward expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the Drone Team and emergency services personnel. He stated, “Their combined approach ensured a successful rescue operation.”
Following the rescue, the mother and infant were joyously reunited with their family.
Officials are taking the opportunity to remind hikers that the Hoop Hole trail is considered moderately difficult to navigate, featuring challenging elevated terrain.
