Camper Missing For Weeks In Sierra National Forest Found Alive

FRESNO COUNTY, CA — Tiffany Slaton received an early birthday gift when she was found safe Wednesday after going missing while camping nearly a month ago in the Sierra National Forest, according to authorities.

Slaton, whose 28th birthday is this week, had not been seen since April 24 or had contact with her family since April 20, police said. Authorities searched nearly 600 square miles but were hindered by snow and blocked roads in some areas, so it was Christopher Gutierrez, owner of Vermillion Valley Resort, who found her, according to police.

Gutierrez was checking on his property near Lake Edison the day after a blizzard and in anticipation of the summer season when he saw an open door and some shoes at one cabin. He had left it unlocked with lost hikers in mind.

1 Miracle, 2 Hugs

“She pops out, didn’t say a word, just ran up and all she wanted was a hug,” Gutierrez said during a video press conference Wednesday night facilitated by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, adding Slaton also requested a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which Gutierrez was happy to provide. “It was a pretty surreal moment.”

Slaton, who is from Jeffersonville, Georgia, was dehydrated and was taken to a hospital but was otherwise in good condition, according to police.

Her father, Bobby Slaton, noted the family has always been outdoorsy, with a small farm, and that Tiffany is knowledgeable about foraging and nutrition.

“A ton of weight has been lifted,” he said during the press conference. “… To hear her voice, I can’t even put it into words how excited I was.”

Her parents, who also live in Jeffersonville, were out shopping when they got the good news.

“I just grabbed somebody and said, ‘Can I hug you?’” Slaton’s mother, Fredrina Slaton, said during the press conference. “I needed to hug somebody.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.