A woman named Esmeralda Marie Pineda was found in the Northern California wilderness after being missing for 12 days. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office located the 24-year-old at the top of a canyon near the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek, where she was severely dehydrated and emaciated. Pineda, who required immediate medical attention, was suffering from sun exposure and needed to be airlifted to a hospital. The extent of her injuries and her current condition remain unknown.
Pineda was reported missing on August 26 from a mining camp near the middle fork of the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek. She had been camping with three friends when she decided she wanted to return to Sacramento. However, when her friends woke up the next day, Pineda was nowhere to be found, prompting a search effort by law enforcement. The rugged terrain of the area required skilled volunteers to rappel into the canyon in search of her, as there were no trail systems in the location where she was last seen.
The treacherous nature of the region indicated that Pineda had made a steep climb to the top of the canyon where she was eventually found. Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers, including Sgt. Dustin Moe and his partner, were able to locate Pineda, who was able to wave at them when they discovered her. Pineda’s ability to survive alone in the wilderness for nearly two weeks remains a mystery, as it is unclear how she sustained herself during that time. Despite the challenging circumstances, the sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for finding her alive and expressed hope for her recovery.
Following her rescue, Pineda was immediately airlifted from the canyon and transported to a hospital for medical treatment. The California Highway Patrol responded with a helicopter, and the North San Juan Fire Department provided medical attention on the scene. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, along with search and rescue volunteers, had conducted an extensive search to find Pineda, who was located in an area where people do not typically venture due to its harsh terrain. Pineda’s friends had attempted to find her but were unsuccessful, leading to her eventual discovery by law enforcement officials.
Pineda’s condition and injuries are currently unknown, but she was in dire need of medical attention when she was found. The sheriff’s office continues to monitor her progress and recovery as they investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Pineda’s survival story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of search and rescue teams in helping to locate individuals in distress. As more information becomes available, authorities will provide updates on Pineda’s condition and any potential findings related to her time spent in the wilderness.
