An 89-year-old hiker, Bing Olbum, has been found alive after nearly 10 days in the wilderness of Idaho, showcasing his incredible will to survive. Olbum went missing on August 1 after leaving from the Hunter Creek Trailhead, expecting to only be gone for five days. Despite only having five days’ worth of supplies, Olbum managed to survive until he was found late Saturday evening by locals on horseback.
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office in Central Idaho announced Olbum’s safe return on August 11, calling it an “extraordinary outcome for this incident.” Sheriff Levi Maydole expressed gratitude for the community’s relentless efforts in locating Olbum and praised his will to survive.
Locals and social media users alike have expressed their relief and admiration for Olbum’s resilience, with one person calling it a “true miracle.” Search and rescue units had deployed during the search, scouring all possible trails Olbum could have taken in the vast Salmon-Challis National Forest.
The forest, spanning over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho, is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views. The Hunter Creek Trailhead, where Olbum began his hike, offers hikers a scenic route with views of Mount Ryan and Kent Peak.
After going missing, Olbum’s daughter took to Facebook to express her concerns for her father’s safety, only to later update the post with the joyful news of his safe return. Olbum was found dehydrated but alive and well, much to the relief of his family and friends.
The circumstances of how Olbum got off course during his hike remain unclear, but his remarkable survival story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
