It’s the news people were hoping for – 16-year-old Esther Wang, who went missing in Golden Ears Park and sparked a massive search – is alive.
But she wasn’t exactly found – the teen walked out of the park on her own Thursday night 54 hours after she was seen last.
The Ridge Meadows RCMP says Wang – who had spent two nights in the wilderness – pretty much walked straight into the arms of her parents – who were still at the park following the day’s search and rescue efforts.
“She is healthy, she is happy, and she is safe with her family,” said Supt. Wendy Mehat. “Her family was very grateful of everyone’s help and support and very grateful that she’s home happy and safely.”
“Esther walked out of East Canyon trail on her own. The East Canyon trail is the same trail that she was on when she became separated from her group. She was very fatigued but thankfully unharmed.”
Wang went missing Tuesday afternoon after getting separated from the small group she was hiking with, dozens of search and rescue members from the Lower Mainland were involved in efforts to find the teen.
The Executive Director of BC AdventureSmart says preparation is key when hiking – no matter how big or small the adventure.
“The whole focus behind any of our messaging and programming and outreach is to really encourage everyone to trip plan very effectively, train for the activity that they’re choosing to do, and take essentials in case of an emergency,” Sandra Riches explained.
Rescuers previously said Wang was prepared and had food and water in her pack. They credit her physical fitness, planning, and good weather for her safe return home.
“If people trip plan, train, and take essentials, add season and sport-specific gear, and know what to do in an emergency, they can really set themselves up for success and also know what to do when there is maybe an injury, when someone is lost or if someone has exceeded their abilities,” Riches added.
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Mounties say Wang found her way down the mountain by following a waterway.
After she was checked out by paramedics, she went home with her family for some much-needed rest.
“I think the community really came together. We had multiple requests from those wanting to volunteer their services to support the search so just a lot of gratitude and happiness that Esther is safe and she’s with her family,” said Mehat.