UPDATE: Ron Dailey, the hunter who went missing for 19 days in the Fresno County mountains, has been rescued and is alive to recount his harrowing ordeal. The 66-year-old shared how he survived against all odds through determination, ingenuity, and a prayerful spirit.
Dailey embarked on a day trip on October 13, 2023, confident in his familiarity with the terrain. However, after taking a wrong turn on an off-roading trail, he quickly found himself stranded. “I wasn’t lost, but… I couldn’t get out,” Dailey stated in an interview with Fresno County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Tony Botti.
After realizing his truck was stuck and unable to navigate the steep path, Dailey faced a dire reality as snow began to fall. “About 7 o’clock in the morning, I opened the door and raked the snow out of the way,” he recalled. With two feet of snow on his vehicle, he knew he was trapped for days.
As the snow melted, Dailey faced further challenges. After attempting to drive out, he cracked his oil pan on a rock, but with resourcefulness, he managed to make temporary repairs. Dailey relied on creative strategies to keep warm, turning his wife’s packed gloves into socks and using a survival blanket to signal for help.
For five days, he survived with little food, rationing to under 100 calories daily. “I messaged all my kids, apologizing that grandpa probably won’t be there for the rest of your lives,” Dailey shared, reflecting on the emotional toll of his isolation.
On the last day of deer season, Dailey made the crucial decision to leave his truck behind and attempt to walk to safety. After nearly 12 hours of trekking in harsh conditions, he spotted headlights in the distance, which turned out to be a group of three hunters who rescued him.
“My prayers were answered,” Dailey said. He lost approximately 25 pounds during his ordeal but retained his faith, stating, “I never lost faith.” As he begins physical therapy next week, Dailey has declared he is done hunting, emphasizing the emotional resolution of his traumatic experience.
Officials from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office expressed relief at Dailey’s safe return, underscoring the importance of safety measures in outdoor activities. His story serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved and the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
As Dailey recuperates, he plans to reflect on his experience and share his gratitude with his family. His harrowing journey reminds us all to cherish every moment and the importance of preparation in outdoor adventures.
