The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office received an overdue person call on Friday at about 11 p.m. concerning Curtis Price, 53 of Forks, who had gone into the woods near LaPush, north of Forks, and had not been heard from.

Mindy Gaddie, 38, of Forks, called to report her friend (Price) had not returned from mushroom picking. Price was last seen around noon Friday. Price was supposed to pick mushrooms and return home. Price sent a text message to Gaddie indicating he was cold and wet and could hear someone honking a horn at about 10:22 p.m. Gaddie had been trying to find Price at the time and was unable to and called the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office for help at about 11:00 pm.

Deputies responded and made attempts to locate Price by yelling. Deputies were able to hear a faint response and tried to make it to where they thought Price was in the dark. There was light rain at the time. The Deputies were unable to reach Price due to the heavy brush and wooded area. The location was at the end of an unnamed dirt road at about the7-mile marker on Highway 110 (locally known as LaPush Road).

Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Teams were called out and responded. SAR teams cut brush and searched throughout the night. U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and Civil Air Patrol were staged to assist in daylight. SAR Teams, with the assistance of the Air Force Rescue Coordination Cente,r were able to conduct cell phone forensics on Price’s phone and determine the most likely area where Price could be located. Deputy Mike Leiter is a Search and Rescue coordinator and directed the search.

SAR Teams responded to that area and were able to locate Price and assist him out of the woods. Price was able to walk out. Price was exhibiting the early symptoms of hypothermia and was transported by Forks Ambulance to the Forks Hospital for evaluation. Price was not prepared for the woods lacking basic gear and clothing. It is suggested when embarking into the woods to have the appropriate gear and clothing. The gear should include emergency blankets, whistle, GPS or compass, flashlight, hydration, rain gear, and food.