Drone Team Instrumental in Rescuing Missing Teen from Blackberry Thicket

A drone operator from the Eugene Springfield Metro Drone Team played a crucial role in locating and rescuing a missing teenager in Eugene, Oregon, on Thursday night. The story was reported by KCBY.

Late-Night Search Effort

The Eugene Police Department (EPD) reported that the teen girl, who was in a mental health crisis, had been missing since 5:40 p.m. on September 26. She was last seen walking on a trail system leading to the Willamette River.

By 9:45 p.m., the situation had escalated, prompting the EPD’s drone team to join forces with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Search and Rescue.

Drone Technology to the Rescue

The drone team deployed a DJI M30 drone equipped with a GL60 Mini spotlight. This high-tech setup proved invaluable in the search effort.

“Given her position, I don’t believe she would have been found without the use of the drone,” stated an EPD official.

The drone operator methodically scanned the area, checking the girl’s last known location, the river, and multiple trails. Eventually, the drone’s thermal imaging detected a heat signature about 1,700 feet from the launch site.

Challenging Rescue Operation

The teen was found trapped in a massive blackberry thicket, exhausted and unable to move. She had numerous cuts and was ill-equipped for the outdoors, wearing only a top and shorts with no shoes.

Using the DJI drone as a spotlight, the operator guided the rescue team to the girl’s exact GPS coordinates. Deputies had to dig through the thorny thicket while Search and Rescue brought in an ATV to assist paramedics.

DroneXL’s Take

This rescue operation underscores the growing importance of drones in search and rescue missions. As we’ve seen in recent articles about first responders using drones, these unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming indispensable tools for emergency services. The ability to cover large areas quickly and detect heat signatures in challenging terrains can mean the difference between life and death in time-sensitive situations like this one.

The success of this mission highlights the need for continued investment in Drone Technology and training for First Responders. It’s a powerful reminder of how drones are increasingly being used for good, saving lives and reuniting families in critical moments.

What are your thoughts on the use of drones in search and rescue operations? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

The featured image is for illustration purposes only.