Yosemite Hikers Aid in Dramatic Search and Rescue

Yosemite Hikers' Unexpected Encounter with Search and Rescue A group of hikers in Yosemite National Park had an unexpected encounter with a search and rescue operation on August 6, 2025. While hiking near Half Dome, Laureise Ruef and her companions noticed a helicopter circling the area. Upon descending, they came across two people frantically signaling for help. A man in their party had suffered a stroke. "We were just sitting having a snack when we saw them waving their jackets," Ruef recounted in a video she posted online. "We immediately knew something was wrong." Ruef's group quickly reacted, deploying a rescue blanket to help search and rescue teams locate the stricken man. The helicopter was able to spot the bright reflective material and quickly airlifted the man to safety. The incident highlights the dangers of hiking in Yosemite and the importance of preparedness. The quick thinking of Ruef and her friends undoubtedly contributed to a positive outcome in a potentially life-threatening situation. The man's condition is currently unknown, but the event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the outdoors and the vital role of search and rescue teams.