Stranded hiker who lost for 24 hours ignored calls from rescuers because it was an unknown number

A Colorado mountain hiker who was lost for 24 hours ignored multiple calls for help from rescuers, according to NBC News. 

The unidentified hiker said they did not answer the calls because they did not know the number.

According to NBC, the unidentified hiker was reported missing on October 18th, 2021, after not returning from an expedition. They were attempting to scale the highest peak of Colorado, Mount Elbert. 

According to Lake County SAR, the individual was reported missing at approximately 8:00 PM after beginning their hike at approximately 9:00 AM. 

The next day, search crews searched the area, but they were unable to locate the individual. They apparently lost their way and spent the night trying to find their way back to the trail. 

Eventually, after 24 hours of wandering, the individual found the trail and made it back to their car. 

They were unaware that a rescue team was searching for them.

Lake County Search and Rescue issued a statement on Facebook saying they tried to get in touch with the subject multiple times on their cell phone but were unsuccessful. They said the subject lost the trail around sunset and spent the night trying to find the trailhead. 

They said they bounced around on different trails trying to find the right trailhead and eventually made it back to their car about 24 hours after they started hiking.

They said they had no idea SAR was looking for them. They also said the subject ignored multiple phone calls from them because they didn't recognize the number. 

"If you're overdue on your itinerary and get a call from an unfamiliar number, please pick up," the statement said. "It could be a SAR team out looking for you, so it's important to answer the call if you're safe."

At the end of the day, hikers of Mount Elbert should keep in mind that the path is blocked by snow over treeline and will remain that way through the end of June. Please do not attempt to follow your ascent tracks down the mountain as the wind will often block your tracks.

Lake County SAR came to the defense of the hiker after the criticism began. "They mentioned that common sense may not seem so common when someone is lost and feeling panicked.

In Colorado, those who frequently explore the outdoors are well aware of the SAR resources at their disposal, but this isn't the case everywhere. Let's remember to be considerate in our comments.

I have never felt more connected to an individual in my entire life.