21-Year-Old Hiker Rescued After Getting Lost on Boy Scout Property in BETHEL, N.Y.

 A late-night search in Sullivan County ended safely after a 21-year-old hiker from Brooklyn was rescued on Boy Scout property in the Town of Bethel.

On August 17, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the White Lake Fire Department requested assistance from New York State Forest Rangers after the hiker called 911 to report being lost. The caller also warned that their cell phone battery was nearly drained.

Officials said the individual was prepared with water, a whistle, and extra layers of clothing, which helped them endure the situation until rescuers arrived. The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office deployed a drone to aid in the search, while Rangers Franke and Schweider worked alongside members of the White Lake Fire Department to conduct linear searches of the area.

At around 12:30 a.m., Ranger Schweider and fire personnel made voice contact with the missing hiker. Within 15 minutes, rescuers reached the individual and provided electrolytes before transporting them back to the command post for EMS evaluation.

All rescue resources were cleared from the scene by 2 a.m. Authorities credited the quick collaboration between multiple agencies for the safe outcome and reminded hikers to always carry charged phones and emergency gear when entering unfamiliar areas.

Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/8/dec-forest-rangers-week-in-review-1