Community News

HB Woman found safe after lost for four days

by: HB News staff writer
Posted: July 15, 2019 & July 16, 2019

 

HUNTINGTON BEACH...After she was located, Powell told authorities that a man threatened her with a knife and told her he would kill her pet if she didn't do what he said. Powell grabbed her dog and ran as fast away as she could.

Powell hid near a pond of stagnant water and ate cactus fruit during her 72-hours ordeal. She avoided main roads for fear he might find her.

A search has begun to try and locate the man.

A Huntington Beach woman who wandered away from Grandview Campsite last Friday, July 12th has been found safe and unharmed four days later n July 15th., in the Big Pine area of the Inyo National Forest near Fresno.

Sheryl Powell, 60, and her Yorkie dog had just arrived at their campsite when Powell took her dog into the brush to relieve itself. Her husband meanwhile was parking the family vehicle.

When his wife failed to return, her husband began searching the area, but could not find a trace of his wife and dog.

After an hour search, he called for help.

Sheriff's deputies and Search and Rescue units immediately began a search. They were later joined by both the California National Guard and the California Highway Patrol.

Searchers on Monday located the Yorkie first and then the woman. Powell was found exhausted, but otherwise unharmed about two and a half miles from the campsite. Powell was transported to a hospital for a checkup.

The campsite is located in a very remote area of the forest that includes gullies, hot temperatures and snakes.

Her husband and family are at her bedside and are so happy she was found safe and are thankful to all those who searched for her.