A heartwarming rescue unfolded in southwest Washington in mid-August when search and rescue teams saved a 7-year-old girl who had gone missing overnight in the wilderness near Lake Merwin. The child, Shelby, wandered away from her family’s campsite at Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway, sparking an intense search led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
The situation turned dire as night fell and Shelby remained missing, prompting an all-night search effort by deputies, detectives, and search and rescue teams.
As the sun rose, hope came from an unexpected source—a fisherman. He heard a child crying from a steep slope near the water and immediately called 911, setting the stage for a dramatic and heroic rescue.
Responders sprang into action, navigating through treacherous terrain, including thick vegetation, sharp rocks, and muddy slopes, to reach Shelby.
Video footage from the rescue shows officers carefully guiding her down the hillside. The footage also captures a tender moment, with one officer reassuring the frightened girl, saying, “I’ve got you, hun.”
Search crews worked together, passing Shelby down a human chain until she safely reached a boat waiting at the water’s edge. Shelby, who had spent the night wearing only a T-shirt and shorts, was miraculously in good condition despite her ordeal. Luckily, the weather had been mild, which may have helped her endure the night.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office shared the footage to highlight Shelby’s remarkable bravery and acknowledge the relentless efforts of the rescue teams. In their statement, the sheriff’s office expressed immense pride in the crews who worked tirelessly to reunite Shelby with her family.
Shelby’s mother, grateful and relieved, shared a heartfelt note of thanks: “I would like to thank the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue for searching all night for Shelby. I also want to thank the fisherman for calling 911 when he saw her.”
The touching rescue serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork and the dedication of first responders who go above and beyond to protect those in need.
This story ended on a happy note, with Shelby safe and sound, thanks to the quick thinking of a fisherman and the determination of a dedicated search team.
