89-year-old missing tourist survived for almost 10 days Idaho Wildlife Authorities said his death was caused by “the will to survive.”
“Bing Alboom has been found and is at home,” the Custer County Sheriff's Office in Central Idaho said Aug. 11. “This is an unusual outcome to this incident!”
Alboom set out from the Hunter Creek trailhead on Aug. 1 after being dropped off by a family member, expecting to be gone for only five days, but he never made it to the McDonald Creek exit point, the sheriff's office previously said. The trailhead is in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
He was reported missing August 7 When Alboom left, he had only five days' supplies.
HIKER MISSING FOR 10 DAYS FOUND ALIVE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MOUNTAINS
Album's camp was found late on Saturday night and he was back home by 3am on Sunday after locals on horseback discovered him around 12.30am.
“Sheriff Levi Meidol is grateful for the tireless efforts of our wonderful community in ensuring this outcome,” the sheriff’s office said Sunday, adding, “Bing’s will to live led to an incredibly positive outcome in this incident. We hope he has a quick recovery and can enjoy time with his family and friends.”
One person commented on the sheriff's post: “So happy with this outcome!! Get well soon!!” while another wrote: “I don't know Bing but I'm definitely impressed with his resilience. He's not one to give up! So grateful for the good ending to his ordeal.” A third called it “a real miracle.”
Officials said search and rescue teams were involved in the search and were looking into all possible routes he could have taken.
The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers more than 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The Hunter Creek Trailhead is north of Boise.
“The trail follows the creek to the top of the canyon, where the turns become steeper and a little more challenging,” the trail's website says. US Forest Service website. “At the top, the forest clears out, giving visitors excellent views of Mount Ryan (11,714 feet) and Kent Peak.”
It is unclear how exactly Album became lost during his quest.
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After Alboom went missing, his daughter posted a photo of a map of his route on Facebook, saying she was worried he was injured “or worse and couldn't lay out a tarp for the helicopters to see.” After he was found, she posted an update: “FOUND DEHYDRATED BUT ALIVE AND WELL!!!!!!!!!!”