Lost hiker missing for 3 weeks in Calif. mountains survives — thanks to cabin left unlocked for this exact reason
By David Propper
Published May 16, 2025, 12:47 a.m. ET
*** begin quote ***
A lost hiker missing for three weeks in the California mountains miraculously survived when she stumbled upon an unlocked cabin that had been left open by its owner for this exact situation — and was rescued just in time to celebrate her 28th birthday.
Georgia woman Tiffany Slaton found shelter at a closed resort in the eastern Sierra Nevada range after she was initially reported missing on April 29, authorities said.
*** and ***
He typically leaves the cabin doors open while the resort is closed during the off-season in case a wayward hiker needs a place to crash amid harsh weather conditions like blizzards.
“It’s mainly for people, just as this scenario played out, if they need to hole up in there one of shelter then it’s available,” Gutierrez said.
Slaton, who hails from Jeffersonville in the Peach State, told Gutierrez she survived for weeks solely munching on leeks before the resort owner fed her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“It was a blizzard, and she pushed through that blizzard, and the first thing she saw was a cabin,” said Gutierrez. “And she held up in the cabin overnight … this girl was saved for the reason.”
*** end quote ***
Needs more details.
If you leave the cabin unlocked, then you should leave some food and communications gear.
Happy she survived, but the story is incomplete.
Who goes hiking without gear?
Answer: Someone trying to win a “Darwin Award”!
I hope there is some follow up.
—30—
Reinke Faces Life 