Missing Georgia camper found alive in California weeks after disappearance

A missing Georgia camper, Tiffany Slaton, has been found alive in California’s Sierra Nevada after disappearing weeks ago, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. The 27-year-old was discovered by the owner of the Vermilion Valley Resort near Lake Edison in Fresno County during a property check. The owner found one of his cabins occupied by a woman, who turned out to be Slaton.

Christopher Gutierrez, the resort owner, described the emotional moment when Slaton popped out of the cabin and ran up to him for a hug. Slaton had been reported missing by her family on April 29 after not being heard from for nine days. Despite being dehydrated, she was in good condition.

The Sheriff’s Office stated that the owner of the resort had left a cabin unlocked as a precaution for situations where someone who is lost could seek shelter and increase their chances of surviving the harsh weather conditions. The road from Kaiser Pass back to Lake Edison was impassable due to the snowpack, but snowplows cleared the way to the resort on the day Slaton was found.

Slaton’s parents expressed their relief and gratitude for her safe return. They described the moment when they received the news that their daughter was found as one of the best days of their lives. Slaton’s mother, Fredrina, said they were out shopping for clothes when they first heard the news of her daughter’s safe return.

Her father, Bobby, shared the moment when Slaton called him to let him know she was alive, expressing his gratitude for answered prayers. The community, the sheriff’s department of Fresno, and the search and rescue team were also praised for their efforts in locating Slaton.

A full-scale search had been conducted in the mountains for Slaton between May 6 and May 10, covering nearly 600 square miles, but no trace of her or her belongings was found. Detectives are now arranging to meet with Slaton to learn more about her timeline of events and overall experience.

The miraculous survival of Tiffany Slaton in the Sierra Nevada mountains serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and seeking shelter in extreme outdoor conditions. The community’s support and the efforts of law enforcement played a crucial role in ensuring Slaton’s safe return home.