State Police helicopter locates lost hiker in Sierra Blanca Mountain Range

Carlos Samora from Carrizozo, NM and Blake Wilson from Dallas, Texas, were hiking near the Three Rivers area of the Sierra Blanca Mountains Monday around 10 a.m. when both hikers became dehydrated and had to stop. Samora decided to hike out and bring water back to Wilson, but when he returned, Wilson was not where he was left.

Samora was able to call for help and a search and rescue (SAR) mission was initiated around 2 p.m. Numerous local fire and police agencies and SAR volunteers along with New Mexico State Police began searching in the area for the missing hiker.

At 6:40 p.m., the New Mexico State Police helicopter located Wilson on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Wilson had become severely dehydrated and was transported by helicopter to waiting EMS personnel on Highway 54.

The New Mexico Search and Rescue teams have executed seventy-one (71) SAR missions this year alone, often hiking through grueling terrain and elements to save lives. The majority of SAR personnel volunteer their time to contribute to this essential function.