Lost Boundary County man found

BONNERS FERRY — A Boundary County man reported missing Wednesday afternoon has been located.

Chet Savage, 78, was found resting alongside Cabin Creek, roughly 300 meters through the woods from his Cow Creek home by crews searching on foot.

He was dehydrated, with minor scrapes and cuts. After being examined by paramedics, he was released and is now at home, Andrew O’Neel, Boundary County public information officer, said.

Savage, 78, had been missing since noon Wednesday after he wife reported he had failed to return to his Cow Creek area home from a walk.

Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team had been leading a search since Wednesday evening. The search expanded Thursday morning with addition of firefighters from Paradise Valley Fire and South Boundary fire districts, who conducted searches on foot and using ATVs all day Thursday.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Department provided conducted an aerial search via helicopter this afternoon but was unable to spot him from the air due to the thick brush and trees, O’Neel said.

He was considered to be endangered due to the climate, terrain, and health concerns, law enforcement officials said.

“The BSDRT would like to thank all agencies and individuals who contributed to the successful search and rescue operation,” O’Neel said.