Search continuing for lost berry picker
Kuy Lonh, 54, was found early Friday morning after becoming lost in the woods north of Bonners Ferry while picking huckleberries.
(Photo courtesy BOUNDARY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE)
Rescue crews get ready to head out in a search for lost huckleberry picker. Kuy Lonh, 54, was last seen around in the vicinity of Bethlehem Mine/Camp Nine Road — about 12 miles north of Bonners Ferry.
BONNERS FERRY — Searchers have located tracks they believe belong to a lost huckleberry picker about 12 miles north of Bonners Ferry.
Boundary County Sheriff's officials said Kuy Lonh, 54, was last seen around 4 p.m. Wednesday while picking huckleberries in the vicinity of Bethlehem Mine/Camp Nine Road. He was reported missing about 10 p.m. that night, prompting the activation of Boundary County Search and Rescue, said Andrew O'Neel, public information officer and director of the county's Office of Emergency Management.
Lonh, 54, is described as an Asian male with black hair and brown eyes, 5 feet 9 inches in height and weighing 300 pounds. He was last seen wearing black jeans, black shirt, black shoes, and a sun hat. He was camping in the area and was picking huckleberries when he became lost, O'Neel said.
"Currently, six search teams are operating on foot and using ATVs, and the search will continue after dark," O'Neel said. "Searchers found tracks they believe are Mr. Lonh's and a specialized man-tracking expert is attempting to follow those tracks."
Additional volunteers arrived throughout the day Thursday to replace crews who have been searching for the lost man since Wednesday afternoon. O'Neel said Two-Bear Air will begin air operations in the morning once the area has cooled enough to allow for use of infrared search equipment.
The search is continuing for the missing man with assistance from a Spokane Regional Air Support Unit helicopter search crew and a search dog from David Thompson Search and Rescue in Libby, Mont. BCSR also requested mutual aid support from Bonner County Sheriff Search and Rescue.
Many organizations are contributing to the search, including North Bench Fire Association, Paradise Valley Fire District, South Boundary Fire District, and the Boundary County Chaplains Corps “Angel One” team.
Search crews are not currently asking for search volunteers, however, if anyone has any information about the location of Mr. Lonh, please call Boundary County Dispatch at 208-267-3151, ext. 0.
