Then, on August 29 at about 5 p.m., the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forest rangers got a desperate satellite text alert. Four hikers went missing around Giant Ledge in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. This area, known for its interconnected trails and varying elevations between 1,100 and 2,600 feet, presents a rugged terrain that includes several sheer cliffs and steep drops.
Once alerted, DEC forest rangers Russell Martin, as well as two of his colleagues from adjacent areas, sprang into action and rushed to the mountainous accident scene. They located the group around 6:45 p.m. As rangers arrived on the scene, they were able to locate one individual alive and uninjured. That’s when our group of hikers realized that all of the other hikers in our group were on psychedelic mushrooms. For one of them, the impact was a crippling blow.
The dramatic rescue can be found in the Catskill Mountains, home of an increasing number of tragic rescues after friends drop out from hallucinogenic drugs. In May, two hikers contacted authorities to say that a third member of their group was dead after eating hallucinogenic mushrooms. The recent incident has left many safety officials deeply concerned about the dangers of carrying these types of substances on hikes.
At the very start of the invasion DEC forest rangers made a rapid assessment of the damage. They later transported two hikers, who had consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms, to a waiting ambulance and a New York State Police cruiser. The third hiker was safely returned to their campsite uninjured.
Russell Martin remarked on the unpredictable nature of the situation, stating, “I’m not an expert in mushrooms, but these gentlemen definitely rode highs and lows.” His observations highlight the unique dangers rescue teams must navigate while rescuing people on such strong hallucinogenic drugs.
To provide support with ongoing recovery efforts, Martin flew back to the region the following day. There, he discovered a valuable sling bag filled with keys tucked under a log in a clump of tall ferns.
The Police Benevolent Association of New York State commended the commitment of forest rangers in this difficult rescue.
“This level of dedication, at the start of a busy Labor Day weekend, is representative of the commitment shared by our forest ranger members,” – Police Benevolent Association of New York State
They further stated,
“The PBA of New York State is proud to highlight our forest rangers and all members’ continued dedication to public safety in the face of difficulty and danger.” – Police Benevolent Association of New York State