An elderly couple and their pet dog have been rescued after spending two nights trapped in ice and snow in Arizona.
Mike G. Pena, 79, and Catherine Jo Pena, 77, went missing Tuesday while they took their truck out for a drive to Palace Station, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page Thursday.
The vehicle of the couple, who was with their pet Dashchund named Daphnee at the time, got stuck on Senator Highway and was trapped in the ice and snow, forcing them to spend two nights in their truck, according to ABC15 Arizona.
“Fortunately, they stayed put, conserved their fuel, and had food and water which helped the search effort and their safety immensely,” the sheriff’s office said.
The couple was then reported missing, and officials urged the public to come forward with any information they may have about Mike and Catherine’s whereabouts.
“Mike and Catherine Peña were last known to be at an address on E Trails End in Spring Valley on 02/01/23 with their Red/Brown Dachsund. They should be driving a 2004 Chevy Silverado white in color,” the sheriff’s office noted in the statement.
The search for the couple included efforts from the sheriff’s office, the Department of Public Safety and Search and Rescue teams that included about 20 volunteers who “worked 87-man hours and covered about 1300 miles of main roads between Prescott and Crown King and all off-road areas between Wilhoit and Crown King,” the sheriff’s office added.
Two nights after surviving in their truck with whatever food they had, Mike and Catherine and their dog Daphnee were finally found safe in their truck Thursday.
The couple was airlifted, while Daphnee was driven out by volunteers, Arizona’s Family reported.
Nobody suffered any harm or injuries during the incident. All three are “doing well,” the sheriff’s office said in a follow-up statement.
In addition to thanking volunteers, the sheriff’s office also advised people to be cautious outdoors when road conditions are rough.
“YCSO would like to thank our volunteers and DPS and remind everyone to be cautious and prepared when adventuring outdoors,” the sheriff’s office said. “We cannot stress enough to bring adequate food, water, maps/gps (preferably of the area being adventured), flashlights, battery life for cell phones, clothing layers and sun protection.”
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