'Stunning Survival Story': Video Shows Rescue Of Man Trapped For 2 Days Behind Waterfall

TULARE COUNTY, CA — A Long Beach man who went missing in the Sierra Nevada was rescued this week after spending two days trapped behind a waterfall.

Ryan Wardwell, 46, was reported missing on Monday after last being seen at the top of the Seven Teacups waterfalls near the North Fork of the Kern River the day before, according to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

The Long Beach man had planned to rappel the waterfalls, but had not returned to his car late Sunday night, authorities said.

Rescue units "began an extensive search of the area, using aircraft equipped with camera and infrared technology and identified Wardwell’s possible location. Due to the late hours of the day and technical difficulty of the area, a rescue plan was developed to respond at first light the following morning," the Sheriff's Office wrote.

The sheriff's Swiftwater-Dive Rescue and Search and Rescue teams went to the area early Tuesday morning. They used a drone to check behind a large waterfall, where Wardwell was found alive and responsive, authorities said.

Wardwell told deputies he had come off his rappel lines and got trapped behind the waterfall because of the "extreme hydraulics of the river," authorities said.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter was called in to assist. A member of the sheriff's rescue team was lowered down into the water waterfall area, where he secured Wardwell in a hoist extraction, according to sheriff's officials.

"Wardwell was flown to a nearby landing zone and evaluated by medical personnel, where he was treated for only minor injuries and dehydration. He was then reunited with family members who were on scene," officials said.

"The TCSO Emergency Services Division reminds the public to always be aware of their environment and capabilities, especially when navigating white water rivers. Stay Safe, Stay Smart and Stay Alive," officials said.