A 72-year-old Massillon, Ohio man was discovered alive and well about 6:30 a.m. Friday after walking miles in the Bear Fork wilderness and likely finding some shelter at a campground.
Ted Schartiger, a Calhoun native who had been with relatives at a hunting camp on Frozen Run at the edge of the Bear Fork wilderness, left the camp about noon Thursday.
His family was well connected to the wilderness area.
Schartiger was the subject of a search and rescue effort since 8 p.m. Thursday evening, according to Kathy Wood, Calhoun OES/911 Director, who was on scene with emergency responders.
Sources this morning said Schartiger "Did not have to be checked-out" by medical personnel.
Wood said about 20-30 responders from emergency services and agencies responded to the all-night effort. "Everyone worked well together, and we appreciate their help," Wood said.
At least four canines and their handlers from a special WV search and rescue group scoured the area.
He was being reunited with relatives by Chief Deputy Carl Ballengee.
Reports indicate the man walked a number of miles in the darkness of the Bear Fork woods from the Lawson Cemetery, where his parents are buried, to an area near the Bear Fork Hunting Club camp, a short distance from US 33-119 near the Calhoun-Gilmer line.
He was discovered by Upper West Fork fire chief Randy Perkins and a State Police officer.
Temperatures fell into the upper 20s during the night.
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