Penny Kay Clark: Nampa woman found alive in miraculous rescue after days missing in Idaho Canyon
NAMPA COUNTY, IDAHO: A Nampa woman has been found alive after going missing for days! Penny Kay Clark fell into a ravine in rural Idaho and was rescued by the authorities.
"At around 11:40 am today, the Nampa Police Department reported that the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a dispatch call from two men who, while recreating near Melba in the vicinity of Map Rock Rd and Rim Rd, discovered a vehicle," stated the Nampa Police Department in an official statement.
"The vehicle discovered matched the description of the one driven by 72-year-old Penny Kay Clark."
The statement further said, "She had not been in touch with her family since Tuesday, December 5. The individuals who alerted dispatch mentioned that the vehicle seemed to have descended partially down the canyon wall at the south end of Rim Rd."
Nampa Police Department gives an update
According to authorities, CCSO deputies arrived at the scene shortly afterward.
"While conducting a survey of the area with binoculars from the canyon rim, deputies spotted Clark’s car about 200 yards down the canyon wall."
"Further observation led to the discovery of Clark approximately 40 feet below the vehicle’s position in a ravine. Deputies from CCSO swiftly confirmed physical movement by Clark and promptly established a command post," as per the authorities.
The department collaborated with Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue to devise a plan to rescue Clark. "Several other agencies, including Life Flight Network, Nampa Police Department, Upper Deer Flat Fire, Melba Fire, Canyon County Paramedics, and Idaho Fish & Game, were also mobilized and dispatched to the scene to provide assistance."
"Idaho Helicopter was also contacted and was prepared to send a helicopter to assist with the rescue operation, but it was determined that the quickest way to reach her would be on foot, so the helicopter was canceled."
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue remarked, "This is truly one of the most miraculous incidents that I can recall in all my years in law enforcement, and it stands as a testament to the strength and fortitude of Penny Clark," as reported by People.
“The medics who evaluated her on the scene believe that she had been there for at least a couple of days, and more than likely since Tuesday when her family last had contact with her," the Sheriff said.
He further added, "It’s truly a miracle, and I’m hopeful that she makes a full recovery. I want to thank all of the agencies who assisted us today, particularly Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue, for their efforts in bringing Ms Clark to safety.”
“I’d also like to sincerely thank the two men who came upon the vehicle and had the wherewithal to determine that it was likely connected to the missing person reported by Nampa PD. This was a true team effort,” he concluded.
