Missing hunter found alive; stable
OLD FORGE, N.Y. (WKTV) - A missing hunter from New Jersey has been found alive this morning after a weekend-long search surrounding Woodhull Lake after he was reported missing Saturday. John Lawler, 76, came to the Adirondacks with four other men from a construction company where they all work, for a hunting trip. He was found alive shortly after 11 a.m. near the Northeast corner of Sand Lake in the Town of Webb, Trooper Jim Simpson said. Lawler was pulled out of the woods via helicopter and transported via Ambulance from Old Forge to St. Luke's Hospital in Utica, where he was in stable condition. The men were staying in a lean-to near Woodhull Lake, and had presented Lawler with a shotgun for the trip just before he disappeared. The other four men tell NEWSChannel 2 that the trip was specially arranged just for Lawler. The men had split up before 7:30 a.m. to survey the wooded area and any prey that might be within, with plans to meet up shortly. When Lawler never showed, the other four men began searching for him around the nearby area of Bloodsucker Pond, only to have the search come up empty. That is when they contacted authorities. The search for Lawler, including State Forest Rangers, State Troopers, local police, and volunteers form the Central Adirondack Search and Rescue Team turned up empty on Sunday, ending at nightfall. Lawler's family has been in Old Forge as the search continued, and followed him to the hospital. The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of NBC-WKTV News Channel 2. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited. Monday, Nov 10 at 8:08 PM wtwj wrote ...A voice from another hunter. #1 GPS is a great tool if your unit is able to pick up satalite signals. Very often in dence cover they do not work. #2 The advice about having a compass is 100% correct, if you know how to use one. Many people think modern gadgets are better than tried and true "old fashioned gizmos"and do not carry one. #3 The advice about the police whistle is outstanding! As I check my pack before a trip, That is the #1 item. Lets all try to learn from this misfortune. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 6:00 PM too bad wrote ...this will teach him to hunt in areas where he is familiar and not alone. carelessness. we do not need anymore of these people getting lost and soaking up NY tax dollars to find them. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 5:46 PM RE : Frankfort Resident wrote ...Your a very sick man I hope that you get lost and no one comes looking for you .. Thankgod there is nice people out there that took the time to look for him and that hes not dead what a happy ending god was with you .. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 5:32 PM Nauri wrote ...My husband hunts..and I insist that he carries a good old fashioned police type whistle with him, in case he is separated from the rest of the hunters. I also insist that he carries a cell phone,so if he is injured, he can call for help. Thank God that this man was found alive and well...God bless the search teams, for the time they give and the lives they save, but some basic ,simple, and affordable items could have saved this man alot of grief. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 4:59 PM FastEddy wrote ...Thank the Lord! Most of us in Central NY are grateful for the search & rescue folks and their willingness to give their time to help others. Most of us are not like some of the morons whose comments you will see here - we have feelings for others and are joyful that this story has a happy ending. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 2:56 PM devises wrote ...Well a GPS would be great but they do run on batteries if you foget to bring yourself some batteries there is a chance this could happen. I am a female hunter never go in the woods without a compass, ya know the ole fashion way. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 2:35 PM reflection wrote ...Re: GPS theory. Yes, if he was able to use one, maybe he was injured and couldn't walk. Some people are so quick to judge. After spending two cold nights in the Park, it's a miracle that he survived. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 2:35 PM HAP HAP HAPPY wrote ...I hope the guy with "get a GPS" gets lost and the GPS runs out of batteries and nobody comes looking!! I'm so happy that this man has been found, too many families have had the opposite outcome and it's devistating. God bless the Search and Rescue team and all the help they received! Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 1:20 PM Happy wrote ...That's great to hear this man was found alive, what a blessing for his family and friends. Inappropriate? Alert Us!Monday, Nov 10 at 1:13 PM Frankfort Resident wrote ...I do not feel bad for all of these hunters getting lost. A hunter my self, there is a device called GPS, its now less than $100 to get and cheaper than the gun you are going to use. Everyone should have one, so that you can avoid problems like this. Now we have used all of our resources(money) to find a person where as if he had a GPS or walkie talkie he could of found his partners. Stop being a tough guy and just get something to find your way home!!!! Inappropriate? Alert Us!Add a commentMost Popular |
Weather
Current Temp
70.0 °F
Fair
News 2 WatchSports ZoneOn DemandAP VideoStock QuotesPermanent Client link holder |
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Most Popular
Connect with WKTVGraphical CW linkWhat's On |



User Agreement