UPDATE – AUGUST 18, 2024:
NORWOOD, COLORADO – After four days alone in the backcountry, searchers successfully located 53-year-old Gina Chase alive and uninjured in the targeted search area earlier today. Ms. Chase, who had been missing since August 14, was evaluated by medics and is currently being debriefed by the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bill Masters praised the dedication and perseverance of the Search and Rescue volunteers, deputies, and all agencies involved, stating, “This is the outcome we were all hoping for, and we couldn’t be happier for Ms. Chase and her family.”
Sheriff Masters also took the opportunity to remind the public about the dangers of solo wilderness experiences, especially those that involve fasting and the absence of communication devices, as advised by the “Animas Valley Institute,” the group Ms. Chase was participating with. He emphasized, “Nature does not care about your safety and will kill you if you are not properly prepared.”
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ORIGINAL STORY -AUGUST 16, 2024
NORWOOD, COLORADO — Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, along with multiple local and regional agencies, are urgently continuing their efforts to locate Gina Chase, a 53-year-old woman reported missing in the remote Lone Cone area outside of Norwood, Colorado. Chase, who was participating in a solo wilderness experience, was last seen at approximately 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14, near the Wilson Mesa trailhead.
Chase was part of an organized group of eleven campers from Durango who embarked on individual journeys into the forest, aiming to engage in a spiritual quest. Participants were encouraged to leave behind electronic devices to immerse themselves fully in nature. The group used a buddy system to ensure everyone’s safe return. However, Chase’s buddy reported that she had not returned to her campsite by Thursday, August 15.
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After discovering that Chase’s “daypack”—which reportedly contains an emergency blanket, a whistle, a power bar, and some water—was missing, the group’s guides initiated a search but were unable to locate her. They contacted the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, prompting the deployment of deputies and SAR teams to the area. Despite deploying ground teams, K9 units, and aircraft, no trace of Chase was found.
Sheriff Bill Masters expressed both the urgency and dedication of the ongoing search efforts. “Our team of deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers are working tirelessly to locate this missing woman. While their efforts have not been successful thus far, we remain hopeful that she will be found.”
Search operations, which resumed on Friday, August 16, have expanded with additional resources, including aerial support from Highland Helicopter, a private aircraft from Norwood, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s multi-mission aircraft. Teams from La Plata, Montezuma, Dolores, and Ouray counties, as well as the Ridgway Fire Department’s drone unit and the US Forest Service, are also assisting in the search.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Sheriff Masters extended his gratitude to all those involved in the search. “I want to thank our deputies and the volunteer men and women of our Search and Rescue team for their arduous work on this mission. Their dedication and talent never ceases to amaze me. I also thank the individuals and additional agencies for their response and efforts to help locate this missing woman.”
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the Lone Cone area and the Wilson Mesa trail from Woods Lake to Lone Cone to allow SAR teams to operate without interference. The use of personal drones is also discouraged, as they could interfere with aerial searches.
The search continues with a renewed sense of urgency, as rescuers and the community hope for Gina Chase’s safe return. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the San Miguel County Sheriff’s dispatch at 970-728-1911.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips for Solo Wilderness Adventures:
- Use Technology Wisely: Even when seeking a disconnect from the digital world, carrying a charged cell phone or GPS device is critical for safety.
- Buddy System Integrity: Ensure that buddies are thorough in their check-ins and report any inconsistencies immediately.
- Essential Gear: Always carry more than the basics, such as a map, compass, extra food, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Support local SAR teams by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card, which helps fund these vital rescue operations. You can purchase one at https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx.
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