Teen Was With Friends and Got Stuck, Prompting Search by Natrona County Authorities
It turns out that a 16-year-old girl who was reported missing Sunday had gotten stuck with some friends while out in the Rattlesnake Hills.
Katherine Stewart was the subject of a search by the Natrona County Sheriff's Office after her family called 911 at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday to report the girl missing and possibly in danger.
Authorities said yesterday that Stewart called her family and said something to the effect of being in danger and needing help. Before being able to relay much information about her situation, the call was dropped, prompting Stewart's mother to call authorities.
"She felt her daughter was in danger and did the right thing by calling us," Sheriff's Sgt. Aaron Shatto said during a press briefing Monday morning.
Shatto explained that Stewart had been out with two friends in the Rattlesnake Hills when their truck got stuck Saturday. They were able to get to the top of a nearby ridge, where they found spotty cell service and called Stewart's mother.
Shatto reminds people headed into the outdoors to always let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.
Should you become stuck or stranded, always stay with your vehicle, as this increases the likelihood of being found by authorities. Also try calling 911, as all incoming 911 calls can be traced using GPS.