2019 Missions

Many teams and incident base staff have participated in the following missions. In our area there are other great teams that regularly participate in missions. What we have reported here is what we saw and in no way do we intend to take full credit for any of these missions.

Mission #: SAR19000009
Date: January 26, 2019
Location: Silver City, NM
Subject: Overdue Mountain Biker
Motorized mountain biker never returned from an afternoon ride. Numerous search teams deployed from around the state the next day after initial search unsuccessful. Subject was found walking on a forest road by vehicle search team members.

Mission #: SAR19000022
Date: March 12, 2019
Location: Carrizozo, NM
Subject: Separated Hiker
A shed hunter was separated from his group and not able to re-join them due to large snow storm. In very poor and deteriorating weather conditions (rain, sleet, snow, 80 mph winds), searchers were able to locate him and assist him back to incident base.

Mission #: SAR19000026
Date: March 18, 2019
Location: El Malpais National Monument, NM
Subject: Lost Hiker
Hiker was lost for nearly three days in the Malpais. Searchers located her in good condition. She was taken to the hospital for observation.

Mission #: SAR19000038
Date: April 16, 2019
Location: Cedro Peak, Tijeras, NM
Subject: Despondent Person
Subject was reported missing by boyfriend, who also located her vehicle. Her body was found by a search dog. SAR personnel then assisted with the recovery.

Mission #: SAR19000039
Date: April 17, 2019
Location: Diamond Peak, Gila National Forest, NM
Subject: Two Stranded Backpackers
Backpackers on the Continental Divide Trail had their gear destroyed by a thunderstorm. They were able to dial 911 from a summit. Due to remote location and their hypothermic condition, a helicopter was sent to extract them. Extraction completed as rescuers arrived at trailhead to hike in.

Mission #: SAR19000040
Date: April 19, 2019
Location: Alamogordo, NM
Subject: Missing Local Resident
Multi day search for a missing local man with autism. Search was suspended due to lack of clues and uncertain information about subject’s circumstances. Subject is reported to have reappeared after suspension of mission.

Mission #: SAR19000041
Date: April 22, 2019
Location: Emory Pass, Gila National Forest, NM
Subject: Overdue Forest Service Employee
USFS Employee was out in the field setting boundary markers and was reported overdue. Searchers located the subject alive but hypothermic and dehydrated. They spent the night in the field with him before a helicopter was able to pick him up in the morning.

Mission #: SAR19000044
Date: April 29, 2019
Location: Near Deming, NM
Subject: Despondent Person
Despondent person whose vehicle was found abandoned off I-10. Search suspended after two days due to lack of clues and information.

Mission #: SAR19000047
Date: May 4, 2019
Location: Ojo Feliz, NM
Subject: Missing Shed Hunter
Subject was separated from his partner while looking for sheds. Resources were redirected from a training mission to assist. Subject walked out on his own several miles south of search area, and was found by incoming SAR team on the highway.

Mission #: SAR19000074
Date: July 14, 2019
Location: Sandia Crest, NM
Subject: Fallen Climber
Subject fell while climbing, suffering fatal injuries. Recovery was suspended on the first day due to dangerous weather. Team responded on second day to assist with recovery efforts and litter haul.

Mission #: SAR19000081
Date: August 10, 2019
Location: Mt Withingon, NM
Subject: Overdue Hiker
Subject was reported several hours overdue by friends. When he did not return the next morning, a search was initiated. Subject walked out on his own as teams were starting to deploy.

Mission #: SAR19000087
Date: August 20, 2019
Location: Tijeras, NM
Subject: Lost Hiker
Subject went for hike in Sandias and called 911 to say he was lost. Search teams were deployed across the southern Sandias. Subject was able to find a house in the early morning hours, and the homeowner contacted 911. Subject was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Mission #: SAR19000088
Date: August 26, 2019
Location: Cliff, NM
Subject: Missing Local Resident
Subject was last seen walking home late at night from a family members house. Numerous teams from across the state including ground, ATV, canine and helo. Search suspended after several days with no find or major clues.

Mission #: SAR19000098
Date: September 21, 2019
Location: La Luz, Albuquerque, NM
Subject: Possible Despondent Male
Search for a man reported missing after over a week. Vehicle was located near La Luz trailhead, unknown how long it had been there. Ground, dog, and horse teams searched for subject. Search suspended after second day with no find and no new clues.