SANTA CRUZ, California — A hiker who had been missing for 10 days was found safe in the Northern California mountains, authorities said.
Lukas McClish, 34, left the rural community of Boulder Creek on June 11 for a hike and was reported missing on June 16, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
Witnesses heard someone screaming for help Thursday and searchers were able to locate McClish with drones at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, seven miles from Boulder Creek, the sheriff’s office said.
Photos show a dirt-covered McClish embracing family members during an emotional reunion. He was not injured during the 10 days and was told KGO TV he was able to drink water during the ordeal. He said he got lost during a three-hour walk and couldn’t recognize some landmarks destroyed by fire.
McClish said he was touched to see all the searchers looking for him.
“It was just very humiliating,” he told the TV station.
McClish did not return The Associated Press’ request for comment.
Boulder Creek is located in the coastal Santa Cruz Mountains, about 69.44 miles (109.44 kilometers) south of San Francisco.
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Associated Press researcher Jennifer Farrar in New York contributed to this report.