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LOGAN — Search and rescue teams have found the couple that went missing after setting off for a hike.
Chad and Lynn Hansen were dropped off at Tony Grove by their 16-year-old son Wednesday morning. The couple set off to hike a 7-mile trail near Smithfield Canyon with their three dogs.
"We just kept moving and realized, 'Oh wow, it's getting late,' " Chad Hansen said.
Chad says several hours later, it became clear they would not find their way home, at least right away.
Their son called the police at approximately 10:45 p.m. Wednesday and said his parents were missing. Search and rescue teams were then dispatched to the area where the couple was dropped off. They scaled the trail from both ends on foot and utilizing four-wheelers until 2:30 a.m. Thursday. The search resumed at 7 a.m. Thursday.
"Instead of trying to hike out that night, we just made a campfire, hit it first thing in the morning," Hansen said. "And then ran into the rescue people about a mile away from Tony Grove Trail head."
Instead of trying to hike out that night, we just made a campfire, hit it first thing in the morning.
–Chad Hansen
Search and rescue personnel found the couple at approximately 11:30 a.m. Family members received texts and phone communication from the Hansens on Thursday morning as the couple was walking back to Tony Grove, according to a news release.
Both hikers and the three dogs were found to be in good condition.
Hansen said the search was probably tougher on the many family members, including Lynn's daughter Alina Curran, standing by than it was for him and his wife.
"More embarrassing than anything," he said.
Curran is grateful they are safe.
"Yeah, I was worried a lot," Curran said. "I didn't want to lose another parent like I did."
Family members are very thankful to Cache County search and rescue for their efforts. The Hansens said they had plenty of water and food. They're fairly new to hiking, but said they won't let this experience stop them.
