Mary Beth Granbery, a 72‑year‑old Mount Shasta resident, set out on a multi‑day camping trip on Sept. 28 and was expected back by Oct. 1. When she failed to return to work the next day, family members reported her missing to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.
Search effort expands across county lines
On Oct. 3, relatives discovered Granbery’s camper van at the Cabin Creek Trailhead in neighboring Shasta County. The Siskiyou and Shasta County Sheriff’s Offices quickly coordinated a joint search, deploying deputies, volunteer search‑and‑rescue teams and California Highway Patrol (CHP) air assets.
Ground crews located Granbery on Oct. 4 near Cabin Creek. She was conscious but suffered serious injuries after falling down a steep embankment, including a severe knee injury and signs of exposure. Rescuers noted she was disoriented and non‑verbal at the time of discovery.
Air rescue gets her to medical care
Because of the rugged terrain, CHP Air Operations assisted in extracting Granbery. A helicopter crew hoisted her from the trail and flew her to a nearby landing zone, where she was transferred to an air ambulance. She was then taken to Mercy Medical Center in Redding for treatment.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Granbery is in stable condition and that her injuries are non‑life‑threatening. Officials thanked the deputies, volunteer rescuers, CHP air crew and Granbery’s family and friends for their roles in the successful operation.
Community response
Local residents expressed relief and offered prayers for a swift recovery. One Facebook commenter wrote, “Glad she was rescued and prayers for a quick recovery.” Another cautioned, “She should not be hiking alone. She is old enough to know better.” A third simply thanked God, saying, “Thank you, Lord.”
This rescue follows a recent Fox News Digital report of another senior hiker, Craig Berg, 70, who was found alive after a week‑long disappearance in Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park. Both stories highlight the dedication of search‑and‑rescue teams and the importance of preparedness when venturing into remote wilderness areas.
Authorities continue to remind the public, especially older adults, to travel with companions, carry reliable communication devices and inform someone of their itinerary before heading into isolated backcountry trails.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
