YANCEY COUNTY, NC — An injured hiker stranded near Celo Knob in the rugged South Toe area was rescued early Monday morning after an intense, all-night multi-agency mission involving aerial extraction in treacherous mountain terrain.
The emergency operation began late Sunday night when crews responded to reports of a hiker hurt in a remote section of the Black Mountains. As darkness fell, ground teams from South Toe Fire and Rescue navigated difficult conditions while coordination with the North Carolina Emergency Management’s Helo Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART) was underway to deploy air support.
By early Monday, a NC Highway Patrol helicopter reached the hiker and successfully airlifted the individual to safety, allowing for prompt medical care. Officials have not released the hiker’s identity or the extent of injuries sustained.
The rescue involved close cooperation among more than eight local, state, and federal agencies. Participating groups included the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office, Yancey County EMS, Pensacola Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and NC Emergency Management, among others.
Sheriff Shane Hilliard commended the team effort, noting that responders worked throughout the night under hazardous conditions to ensure the hiker’s survival.
The steep, isolated terrain around Celo Knob, a well-known peak in the Black Mountains, poses regular challenges for rescue personnel, especially during nighttime and in unstable weather conditions.
The hiker was successfully transferred for further medical evaluation following extraction.
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Key Points
- Injured hiker rescued overnight near Celo Knob after extended multi-agency operation
- NC Highway Patrol helicopter completed aerial extraction early Monday morning
- Rescuers faced difficult terrain and nighttime conditions during the mission