On Tuesday at about 8:40 p.m. New Mexico State Police in Las Cruces received a 911 call from a hiker who stated he was in need of assistance. He had left Columbus, NM on Saturday May 31, 2014 and was hiking the Continental Divide Trail. When he called he stated he was out of food and water and was suffering dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Based on the 911 call, State Police was able to obtain his coordinates which put him on a trail south of Emory Pass which is on State Highway 152 in the Black Range.
A Search and Rescue Mission was initiated. Grant County Search and Rescue personnel responded to the area at about midnight on June 4, 2014 and began their search. They were able to locate the man, rehydrate him and give him some food. This enabled the man to hike out on his own accompanied by the Search and Rescue personnel. He was then given a ride to Silver City where he intends to rest a few days and then resume his hiking trip. The mission was ended at about 11:00 a.m. on June 4.
New Mexico Search and Rescue is provided on a volunteer, non-paid basis during which they utilize personal vehicles and equipment, sometimes in the middle of the night, as in this case.