Groveland, CA…From the Tuolumne Sheriff’s Dept…”Early Sunday morning our office received a report of an overdue man named Bradley and his two sons, 10-year-old Alexander, and 7-year-old Nathaniel. The family left from Ripon Saturday morning to scope out a campsite at Cherry Lake and failed to return home by 7 PM as intended.
A little after midnight Sunday morning, Bradley’s wife called authorities to report that her family had not returned home.

Sheriff’s Deputies searched the area of Cherry Lake and the intended route, but were unable to find them. The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team were called to search the area. At around 8 AM Sunday morning, Bradley had hiked to the nearest Ranger Station and called our office saying his vehicle had become stuck on Forest Road 1N86 near Cherry Lake and his boys were still in the vehicle.

Search and Rescue members responded to the area and found Bradley and the boys in the truck. There were many areas of the road covered with heavy snow due to the recent storm. Search and Rescue members helped Bradley get his vehicle unstuck and followed him out to the Groveland side of Cherry Lake to make sure they were safely headed home.

The family had taken food and water for only one day and slept in the vehicle overnight, until Bradley was able to hike out for help Sunday morning. The family was healthy and did not sustain any injuries. Needless to say they were all very happy to be heading back home.

We recommend that anytime you plan to recreate in the outdoors, to research the terrain and weather forecast for the area you are traveling through. Storms in the high country can be unpredictable and the weekend forecast included rain and snow in higher elevations. When you have to travel in inclement weather remember to bring extra food, water, clothing and blankets in case of emergencies. Always tell someone where you plan on going and when you intend to return as in the case. This enables law enforcement and search and rescue teams a starting point to work from to get to you quickly.

We are thankful these gentlemen were safe and we were able to help them get back home.