Injured hiker rescued

A search team from Transylvania County, North Carolina found an injured hiker late yesterday afternoon in Horsepasture River area of the Jocassee Gorges. The hiker, hurt in a fall, was rendered assistance in getting out of the woods, according to an announcement by Adam Williams, deputy director of Oconee Emergency Services. Williams’ announcement did not identify the hiker by name. He had been trying a hike from Whitewater Falls at the South Carolina-North Carolina border to Table Rock State Park in Pickens County, but fell and was unable to continue. Williams says the rescue succeeded because the hiker was prepared for weather conditions and had a cell phone and a GPS to help searchers locate him once he realized he needed help. Williams says area emergency teams working and training together is another reason for yesterday’s successful outcome.