CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A missing hiker with medical issues was safely located Sunday night after a coordinated search involving the Chillicothe Police Department and the Ross County Sheriff’s Office.
According to police, officers were dispatched around 10:52 p.m. on December 28 to the area of Belleview Avenue and Plyleys Lane to assist sheriff’s deputies in locating a hiker who had become separated from her group. Deputies advised that a 61-year-old woman with medical conditions had lost contact with her partner, while hiking in the area. Banyas and his son were actively searching for her when authorities were called.
Chillicothe Police Officer Cody Moore assisted in the search by deploying a drone, despite challenging weather conditions. Moore reported wind speeds of approximately 20 miles per hour with gusts reaching 30 miles per hour. Due to the urgency of the situation, the drone was launched to help locate the missing hiker.
Using the drone, Moore eventually spotted the woman—about a mile from the search area. She was off the marked trail and appeared to be struggling to walk while using hiking sticks.
The woman’s location was relayed to Ross County deputies, who were able to reach her, escort her back to the parking lot at Earthworks, and reunite her with her family. Authorities confirmed she was unharmed.
Officials credited the coordinated effort and use of drone technology with helping bring the situation to a safe conclusion.
