A 70-year-old Marine veteran who disappeared after going fishing was found alive in a remote part of the California wilderness, ending a six-day search that involved ground crews, aircraft, volunteers, and first responders.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said Rondy Packard, of Pinedale, had last been seen on the morning of June 28 when he left to fish. His family contacted authorities after he failed to return home.
Search Focused Near Pine Flat Lake
Authorities said a witness later saw Packard that afternoon driving his Nissan pickup truck on Trimmer Springs Road near Pine Flat Lake.
The sheriff’s office then sent search and rescue teams into the area. Crews carried out a broad ground and aerial search across the remote terrain surrounding Pine Flat Lake.
Vehicle Spotted in Remote Area
On Saturday, July 4, at about 1 p.m. local time, a volunteer Air Squadron member spotted Packard’s vehicle in a remote location roughly 20 miles northeast of Pine Flat Lake, according to the sheriff’s office.
Nearly three hours later, first responders located Packard about 500 feet from his truck.
The sheriff’s office said Packard was alive, alert, and in good health when he was found.
Helicopter Rescue Required
Because the terrain was difficult to access, a California Highway Patrol helicopter was used to hoist Packard from the area. He was then taken for medical treatment.
Packard’s family later told ABC affiliate KFSN that his health had been improving since the rescue.
Family Feared for His Health
Packard’s wife, Valerie, told KFSN she struggled to sleep while he was missing. She said she was especially worried because Packard has diabetes and had missed a doctor’s appointment after disappearing.
She also said he had gone without an injection he was supposed to receive on Wednesday.
The family believes Packard’s Marine experience may have helped him survive until rescuers reached him.
What Is Not Stated in the Source
The source does not state exactly how Packard became stranded, whether he had food or water with him, or how long he remained near his truck before being found.
The source also does not state the full details of his medical evaluation after rescue.
Why It Matters
The rescue brought relief to Packard’s family and highlighted the role of coordinated search operations in remote wilderness areas. The case also shows how quickly a fishing trip can become dangerous when someone goes missing in difficult terrain.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office credited the search effort as a successful team operation involving multiple responders and volunteers.
Conclusion
Rondy Packard’s rescue ended with the outcome his family had hoped for after nearly a week of uncertainty. After being found alive near his truck in a remote area northeast of Pine Flat Lake, he was airlifted for medical care and was later reported by his family to be improving.
