A hiker went missing on Mount Elbert in Colorado for over 24 hours; however, he ignored calls from the search and rescue team because he didn't want to answer an unknown number.
The incident occurred when the hiker's disappearance was reported to Lake County Search and Rescue on the evening of October 18. He had started his hike from the South Trailhead at 9 a.m. but had not returned after 11 hours
The search and rescue team made repeated phone calls, but they were unable to establish contact. They attempted to search throughout the evening and continued their efforts into the following day but never got a hold of him while the hiker was completely unaware know anyone was looking for him.
However, it was only on October 19, at 9:30 a.m., that the hiker, whose identity remains undisclosed, returned home safely.
The hiker explained to authorities that he had lost the trail as darkness fell and continued his search for the path overnight. He eventually rediscovered a trail and traversed several routes until he finally found his way back to his car at around 9 a.m.
The hiker's decision to ignore phone calls for such an extended period left many on social media puzzled. Some jokingly attributed it to the stereotype of millennials being averse to phone conversations.
One person said: Leave him lost, he's obviously too stupid to be breathing!
A second said: Quit blaming this man and blame the extended warranty people because they are the reason people won't answer unknown calls.
A third wrote: If his phone was receiving calls they could have found him no problem. Even if he has GPS disabled, police can find him from the cell tower triangulation. This is just silly. Also, why not just send him a text and explain that there is a search in the process? Sounds like this guy and the authorities are both "lost".
Another said: Ummm. How about texting him? You can't ignore a text. While this guy should probably stay lost, nobody on the SAR team was thinking either.
Someone else said: Couldn't a friend or relative call or text the hiker? Couldn't rescuers leave a voicemail message or text the hiker? Obviously, he had phone service for some of that time.
Nonetheless, the search and rescue team emphasized the importance of hikers answering their cell phones in similar situations.
