MCGREGOR, Iowa -- On Saturday, June 6, around 3:30pm, Iowa DNR Parks staff received a report of a deaf woman that was lost and possibly injured at Pikes Peak State Park.
Several crews were dispatched to assist with the search efforts including the MarMac Police Department, MarMac Rescue, McGregor Hook & Ladder Company 1, Tri-State Ambulance Service, a DNR conservation officer, a Clayton County conservation officer, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department, and other DNR Parks Staff.
As crews searched the trails, they would stop to listen as dispatch had instructed the deaf woman to play music loudly on her phone to help anyone nearby locate her. DNR Park Manager Matt Tschirgi, as well as a Clayton County sheriff’s deputy and a Clayton County conservation officer, hiked to a ravine, where the woman was believed to be. Manager Tschirgi located the woman deep in the ravine. The woman was able to communicate that her ankle was in pain so they provided her immediate medical attention and then used a stretcher to help her out of the 500-foot-high bluff until an ATV was able to access her.
The DNR is very thankful for the swift response of the dedicated staff, law enforcement and first responders that were able to locate and rescue the woman.
The DNR reminds hikers to stay on the trails marked with signage, to never hike alone, and to always carry a cell phone or way of communication and water to stay hydrated.