In what is being called a “very expensive mistake,” a Heavenly Mountain snowboarder whom search and rescue had sought through the night was with an “acquaintance.”
The brother of 24-year-old Corey Hoffman reported him missing at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday due to a miscommunication and the “consumption of alcohol.” After meeting at a bar, his brother thought Hoffman had returned to the mountain and continued skiing. Hoffman did not know that he had been reported missing.
Douglas and El Dorado Counties’ Search and Rescue teams assisted the Heavenly Ski Patrol, contending with high winds and avalanche danger.
The search for Hoffman involved 75 personnel from several jurisdictions, volunteer organizations, two helicopters and cost an estimated $40,000, the sheriff’s office said.
Nevada Office of Emergency Management would foot much of the rescue bill along with Douglas County and Washoe County giving assistance, [Douglas County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Paul Howell] said.
The Howell brothers and their father have all apologized.
Via