Long Beach Man Rescued After Being Trapped Behind Waterfalls for Two Days

A 46-year-old Long Beach man is safe after spending two days trapped behind the Seven Teacups waterfalls in Tulare County.

Authorities say Ryan Wardell set out on August 10 to rappel down the waterfalls near the north fork of the Kern River. However, an equipment malfunction left him stranded behind one of the falls. When he failed to return to his car that night, his family alerted the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

Due to the late hour and challenging terrain, search and rescue teams had to delay their mission until the following morning. At first light on Tuesday, crews began their search and used a drone to inspect the area. The drone spotted Wardell behind a large waterfall, alive but unable to get out.

A helicopter crew was dispatched to hoist Wardell to safety. Paramedics evaluated him at a nearby landing zone, determining he had only minor injuries and dehydration despite being stranded for two days.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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