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UPDATE | Searchers Find Texas Man Who Summited Mount Whitney

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Published Date

May 24, 2021
Clearing weather forecast for Sunday was expected to allow a ground search for the man to get underway/USFWS file

Clearing weather on Sunday allowed for a ground search for the man/USFWS file

A Texas man reported lost after he summited Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park in California has been found in good condition several miles west of the peak.

Edward Lee Alderman, of Austin, Texas, was found Sunday near Timberline Lake after hikers reported hearing a voice in the area. He was said to be alert, despite injuries, fatigue, and exposure to sub-freezing temperatures.

"We are thrilled and relieved to report that Mr. Alderman is alive, safe, and on his way to definitive medical care,” said Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Incident Commander Dave Fox. “With large numbers of people heading into the wilderness this summer, we urgently remind everyone to prepare carefully for their trips and understand that there are real risks out there. We know that Mr. Alderman and his loved ones have been through a lot in the last few days and we’re so glad he’s going home.” 

Alderman and a friend set out early Thursday morning from Whitney portal for the summit of the 14,505-foot peak, but the two got separated on the way up, according to a park release. The last confirmed sighting of Alderman occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. Thursday, at which time he was leaving the summit of Mount Whitney. 

Searchers at Sequoia National Park were looking for a Texas man reported missing on Mount Whitney/HO

Searchers at Sequoia National Park found Edward Lee Alderman on Sunday after receiving a tip from other hikers/HO

The two reportedly had intended to summit Mount Whitney and descend to Trail Camp in a single day. When Alderman didn't show up, his partner reported him missing Friday morning.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sherriff's Office were engaged in a joint search for the 33-year-old Alderman. Ground searching efforts, however, were delayed due to a winter storm in the mountains on Friday and Saturday. Helicopter searches were underway Saturday.

Alderman was last seen on the summit of Mount Whitney/NPS HO

Alderman reached the summit of Mount Whitney on Thursday/NPS HO

With clear and warmer weather predicted for Sunday, May 23, ground searchers were expected to be dispatched.

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