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'It's a miracle': Missing Charlotte hiker rescued from Blowing Rock trail

By Briana Harper
By Briana Harper

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Caldwell County officials said a missing Charlotte hiker was rescued Sunday evening from a Blowing Rock trail.

The Boone Police Department said 67-year-old Frank Sanady was found uninjured in an extremely rugged area well off the trail.

The terrain was so challenging that a helicopter extrication was not possible, officials said.

Authorities have not said how Sanady was rescued, but he was taken to a hospital, given IV fluids, and had his electrolytes checked.

He is expected to make a full recovery.

(Frank

Sanady

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Sanady's wife, Mary Ann Overcash, was one of the first to see him after the emergency rescue.

"It's a blessing. It's a miracle," Overcash said. "I'm so grateful that he is in good spirits and he smiled at me and that's all that matters.

"I'm just so grateful, and I feel blessed that my husband is OK," Overcash said. "I owe it all to God and the neighborhood yoga community here in Boone. They all came together and sent good mantras and love."

Overcash said while she and her husband are counting their blessings, they are also sharing some advice to avoid any similar scares in the future.

"It's not smart, don't hike alone. Be with a partner, be with a buddy. Take care of your life," Overcash said.

[ALSO READ: Injured hiker rescued on Grandfather Mountain]

Officials told Channel 9 it took several hours for emergency crews to rescue Sanady. The hiker was reported missing Saturday night and wasn't rescued until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Sanady reportedly entered the China Creek Trail on Laurel Lane in Pisgah National Forest around noon Saturday and spent the night in the frigid temperatures.

Officials said he is an experienced hiker, but the trail is considered to be extremely rugged and descends several hundred feet before ending on Johns River Road.

[ALSO READ: Search crews find body of missing hiker in Smoky Mountains National Park]

Authorities used a drone with thermal imaging and a K-9 team to scour the terrain as they searched for Sanady.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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