Advertise on podcast: Wolfe County Search & Rescue: Life Saving Stories

Climber Jean Kang recounts a harrowing night last May on Tower Rock, when a sudden 20‑foot fall on Caver's Route left her stranded on a narrow ledge more than 100 feet above the ground. Team member Brad Newnam scaled the cliff to reach her, treating serious injuries while maintaining communication, managing rope systems, and preparing a high‑stakes transition into the Stokes basket. Brad guided Jean over the jagged cliff edge, while team members below lowered her safely to the ground and then carried her out to an ambulance. It's a powerful story the team will never forget — and the beginning of a recovery journey that took many months.

Two members of Wolfe County Search & Rescue recount one of the most unusual rescues in team history: a late‑night call to a remote Wolfe County cabin where two elderly women slipped into life‑threatening hyperthermia while they were in a hot tub. News of their dramatic rescue and recovery spread to the New York Times and media outlets nationwide. Here is the gripping story of how responders found the remote site and implemented rapid cooling measures to save lives, and the lessons learned that might prevent you or a family member from getting in similar trouble. 

After hearing someone calling for help, team member Eric Wolterman raced toward the cry, climbed a steep hill and found Scott, who said, "Thank you so much. Will you give me a hug?" They embraced, and Eric said, "It was the best hug of our lives." With the assistance of a Kentucky State Police helicopter, the team hoisted Scott out. He was then taken by ambulance to the hospital. News of Scott's miraculous rescue spread from Kentucky to news outlets around the globe.

In July, the Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team (WCSART) led a search for hiker Scott Hern who survived in the Gorge for 14 days, including 12 days without food or water. This was one of the most dramatic rescues in the team's 20-year history. Here's the inside story of what happened over five days of searching until team members found two crucial clues — his shoe print and walking stick. The team continued searching the creek above Bell Falls when they heard a faint call for help.