UTAH

Police sergeant rescued from slot canyon, with help from a drone

Mar 14, 2023, 3:40 PM | Updated: 5:00 pm

A man is in serious condition after being stranded in the Warner Valley slot canyon in southern Utah for nearly 20 hours. (Washington County Sheriff's Office)

(Washington County Sheriff's Office)

HURRICANE, Utah – A member of the Washington City Police Department was found at the bottom of a slot canyon on Monday and was rescued by a helicopter that hoisted him out.

And KSL TV has learned that the searchers got some unexpected help from a drone.

He was reported missing on Sunday night when he didn’t return home as expected. An initial search on Sunday yielded no results.

But the next morning when the search resumed, Darrell Cashin of Warner Valley Search and Rescue, said his dispatch told him a friend of the victim’s had called to say his drone had picked up footage of someone at the bottom of a slot canyon. 

After dispatch relayed the GPS numbers, searchers in a Department of Public Safety helicopter spotted the missing man. It was approximately 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

The man, later identified as 41-year-old Brad Coleman was reportedly trapped in the canyon for up to 20 hours.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Sgt. Coleman fell from 15 to 20 feet, sustaining serious injuries.

“We are so grateful that Brad is with us today and we pray he makes a speedy recovery. At this time we ask for privacy…” wrote the Coleman family, who has also established a gofundme account to help with expenses.

The Utah Department of Public Safety has provided this video of the helicopter rescue.

KSL NewsRadio does not assure that the money deposited to the account directly benefits the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk

Our previous reporting:

Man stranded in Warner Valley slot canyon is in serious condition

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

The Draper City Fire Battalion Chief's vehicle is parked outside Draper City Hall in Draper. a Carb...

Eric Cabrera

Carbon monoxide scare at Draper school

The American Preparatory Academy in Draper City had a carbon monoxide scare Wednesday. No one needed extensive treatment.

9 hours ago

a dog plays in the snow with its owner, dogs need extra protection in winter...

Emma Keddington

Winter protection for your dog: ‘Treat your dog like you’re treating yourself’

If you have a dog, you should make sure they have the same amount of winter protection you'd give yourself.

11 hours ago

a woman covers her face...

Associated Press

Study says the US is ill-prepared to ensure housing for the growing number of older people

The 58-year-old lost his job as a machine operator, then his home, and he was living in his truck when he was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer.

12 hours ago

lori vallow daybell pictured, she faces murder charges in arizona...

Sam Herrera

Lori Vallow Daybell extradited to Arizona to face murder charges

Lori Vallow Daybell faces charges in Arizona that allege she killed her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and tried to kill her niece's ex-husband.

15 hours ago

Image of a Cessna 172G aircraft that crashed in the mountains east of Provo on Nov. 14, 2023, killi...

Adam Small and Simone Seikaly

Survivor says pilots were avoiding Provo airspace before fatal crash

On Nov. 14, Evan Backers and Collin Niemela died when their plane flew into the mountainside near Kyhv Peak, in Slate Canyon. 

15 hours ago

Festival of Trees Tamra Rachol...

Amie Schaeffer

How the Festival of Trees embodies hope and healing for a domestic violence survivor

Tamra Rachol, a domestic violence survivor, views the Festival of Trees as an opportunity to bring hope and attention to important issues.

18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

Police sergeant rescued from slot canyon, with help from a drone