NM Army National Guard Aviation Crew Locates, Rescues Lost Lincoln County Hiker After Communications Lost

SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Army National Guard Aviation MEDEVAC team rescued a stranded hiker Thursday evening in remote terrain in Lincoln County after receiving an urgent request for assistance from New Mexico Search and Rescue officials.

According to Bob Rodgers of the New Mexico Search and Rescue team, local emergency managers in Lincoln County contacted rescuers regarding a 44-year-old male hiker who had become lost in rugged terrain.

Initial reports indicated the man was dehydrated, intermittently incoherent and located in an area inaccessible to ground rescue teams.

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In response, the New Mexico National Guard launched an aviation rescue mission shortly after 5 p.m. to locate and recover the stranded hiker.

While en route in a HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the aircrew learned the hiker had stopped responding to phone calls and text messages, increasing concern for his condition.

Upon arrival, the MEDEVAC crew conducted an aerial search of the hiker’s last known grid coordinates, circling the area for approximately 30 minutes before successfully locating him.

The crew safely hoisted the hiker aboard the aircraft and transported him to Truth or Consequences, where emergency medical personnel were standing by to provide additional care and transport him to a local hospital.

By the time the hiker was transferred from the care of the aircrew, he was reported to be in stable condition.

“Tonight’s rescue is a powerful reminder of the professionalism, courage and selfless service our New Mexico National Guard Soldiers bring to every mission. This MEDEVAC crew responded without hesitation, operating under challenging conditions to save a life,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard. “Their actions reflect the very best of our organization and the unwavering commitment we have to protecting the people of New Mexico.”

The rescue crew consisted of the Pilot-in-Command Chief Warrant Officer 2 Remington Gillum, pilot Chief Warrant Officer 2 Justin Malouf, flight medic Staff Sgt. Kiley Vonlintel, and crew chief Staff Sgt. Ben Vasquez.

The New Mexico National Guard routinely supports state emergency response operations, providing aviation, medical and logistical capabilities during search-and-rescue missions, natural disasters and other emergencies across the state.

File photo of a NMNG Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopter.