Missing hunter Ron Dailey of Selma found alive near Swamp Lake Trail after 20 days lost in Sierra wilderness
Share and Follow

A hunter who had been missing for nearly three weeks in California was found alive on Saturday in a remarkable turn of events.

Ron Dailey, a resident of Selma, California, set off for what was supposed to be a one-day hunting trip in the Sierra National Forest. When he failed to return, his concerned family reached out to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for help.

Dailey recounted that he initially ventured onto the Swamp Lake Trail but soon found himself lost in unfamiliar territory.

“I navigated over a tough spot, and it scraped the bottom of my vehicle. I saw a tree marked with ‘Diamond Road, jeep road.’ That signaled that only a specialized vehicle could handle it, and I didn’t have one,” Dailey explained.

Continuing along the trail, Dailey eventually faced a major setback when his truck was ruined. He used the vehicle as a makeshift shelter and relied on the food supplies he had packed, which lasted him about two weeks.

After several days had passed, at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, Dailey decided to make a move.

“You either try to walk out or you’re going to sit here and die,” said Dailey.

The Selma man said he fell a couple of times going downhill, and when he was at the bottom of a rocky hill, he noticed he lost his phone.

Weeks passed and Dailey said after several miles of walking and lots of praying — relief.

Authorities said he was found by a group of hunters near Swamp Lake Trail on Saturday.

“There were resources from across the Central Valley that came here. We have different counties that sent equipment. Kern County sent equipment. Of course, Tulare County, Kings County all had individuals here assisting with the search,” said Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.

Dailey’s daughter, Breanna, recorded him recounting how he got lost as he recovered at in a Clovis hospital.

Dailey is being monitored by doctors. The family says if everything goes as planned, Dailey will be released on Monday.

Copyright © 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Foreign terror labels curb ISIS, but US radicals face fewer limits online, study finds

Unmasking Online Threats: How Foreign Terror Labels Stifle ISIS While US Extremists Thrive

In the United States, extremist groups are taking advantage of the current…
Trump's MRI scan results released by White House

White House Unveils Results of Trump’s Recent MRI Scan

The White House has unveiled details about an MRI scan performed on…
Ellie Goulding and Sienna Miller announce baby news at Fashion Awards

Ellie Goulding and Sienna Miller Reveal Exciting Baby Announcements at Fashion Awards

In a delightful surprise for fans, Ellie Goulding and Sienna Miller revealed…
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco pack on the PDA during NBA date night

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Share Sweet Moments at NBA Game Date Night

He shoots, he scores! Selena Gomez was spotted planting a tender kiss…
Fans fear Ed Sheeran is hinting marriage to Cherry Seaborn is over

Is Ed Sheeran’s Marriage in Trouble? Fans Speculate on Cryptic Clues About Cherry Seaborn

Hints of marital discord first emerged from Ed Sheeran’s album “Autumn Variations,”…
Exclusive | New York socialite snags Manalapan, Florida, mansion for $21 million

New York Socialite Acquires Lavish $21 Million Mansion in Manalapan, Florida

Prominent New York socialite and author Jean Shafiroff, along with her husband,…
LNER 'Train knife attacker' refuses to appear in court

Controversial Court Drama: LNER Train Knife Attacker Defies Legal Proceedings

A man facing charges related to knife attacks on two trains, one…
Westfield Valley Fair shooting: 3 injured, including 16-year-old girl, in Black Friday shooting at California mall

Black Friday Chaos: Three Injured in Shooting at Westfield Valley Fair Mall, Including Teen Girl

Police in Santa Clara, California, are delving into a shooting incident that…