UPDATE: Ron Dailey, a hunter missing for 18 days in the Fresno County mountains, was miraculously rescued after surviving against all odds. Dailey’s incredible story of perseverance and creative survival techniques is capturing national attention as he recounts the harrowing ordeal.
Dailey embarked on what he thought would be a routine hunting trip on October 13, 2023, but quickly found himself in a life-or-death situation after accidentally driving onto an off-roading trail unsuitable for his vehicle. “I wasn’t lost, but I needed to be found,” Dailey stated in an interview with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. His journey from safety to survival began when he realized he was trapped in the wilderness with no one aware of his location.
After getting stuck, Dailey attempted to find another way back but faced treacherous conditions, including heavy snowfall that left him stranded. By the fourth day, he was encased in two feet of snow, forcing him to re-evaluate his situation. He ingeniously repaired his truck’s oil pan with a hose but soon discovered that driving out was impossible.
With dwindling supplies, Dailey relied on his survival skills and the contents of his backpack. He transformed his wife’s gloves into makeshift socks, used a towel as leg warmers, and created a signaling device from an emergency blanket. “I tied those on top of the cabin of my truck so hopefully someone would see it,” he explained. Despite his efforts, no one spotted him until he made the desperate decision to leave his truck behind.
On November 1, with no food for five days, Dailey prayed for guidance, stating, “I either got to walk out tomorrow or I got to sit here and die in this trip.” The next morning, he set off on foot, knowing that last-minute hunters might still be in the area. After walking for nearly 12 hours through harsh conditions, Dailey was on the brink of despair when he spotted headlights in the distance. “Oh my God,” he exclaimed, realizing he had been found by a group of three hunters.
Dailey lost approximately 25 pounds during his ordeal, rationing food to less than 100 calories a day. He maintained communication with his family through a solar-charged phone, sending over 30 messages that unfortunately did not go through. “I messaged my kids, apologizing that grandpa probably won’t be there for the rest of your lives,” he said, reflecting on the emotional toll of his experience.
Now safely back home, Dailey plans to start physical therapy next week and is considering seeing a psychiatrist to cope with his traumatic experience. He has vowed never to hunt again, telling his wife, “I promised God, I won’t shoot no more of his creatures.”
As Dailey’s story spreads, it serves as a powerful reminder of survival, resilience, and the importance of never losing hope in the face of adversity. His miraculous rescue is not just a tale of endurance but a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Stay tuned for updates on this remarkable story of survival and the lessons learned from Ron Dailey’s incredible journey.
