DJI Drone and Alert Hikers: The Rescue on Crowders Mountain

An 18-year-old hiker's nightmare unfolded when he went missing in Crowders Mountain State Park. However, thanks to alert fellow hikers and modern DJI Drone Technology, a silver lining appeared on Thursday when officers and park rangers rescued him from a potentially life-threatening situation.

The missing teen's vehicle, discovered in the park, triggered the alarm, initiating an intensive search operation. But the real breakthrough came when fellow hikers, who hike the mountain daily, picked up distressing calls for help.

Haskle Good Jr., one of the hikers on the scene, recounted, “About two hills up you can hear somebody yelling, ‘help, water.'” Haskle and his friends didn't just pass by. He emphasized, “It's something your parents raised you to do. Just always do the right thing and look out for each other.”

This critical information, shared with the authorities, significantly streamlined the search. But the terrain was challenging, covering miles of mountains. Enter the DJI drone, which swiftly pinpointed the teenager in a remote and perilous spot, surrounded by trees and near a “pretty substantial cliff,” as described by Scott Lambert from the Gaston County Police Department. This area, characterized by a drop of almost 30 to 40 feet, was treacherous and “very, very rocky.”

Lambert highlighted the pivotal role the DJI Matrice 30 drone played, not just in the search but also in the rescue operation. It reportedly enabled EMS teams to “see the drone images to give a patient assessment and a plan for a rescue off the mountain.”

Haskle underlined the strong bond among regular mountain climbers, emphasizing the sense of community. Their lookout attitude ensures that anyone in distress gets help. Crowders Mountain, with its climb of over a thousand feet, is not a place to be taken lightly.

In an age where community spirit meets technological advancement, the safe return of the young hiker was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.

Photos courtesy of WSOCTV.