Missing Woman Found Alive in California After 21 Days

News Summary

Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old from Bermuda, has been found alive after going missing for three weeks in California’s Sierra Nevada. Discovered in an unlocked cabin, Slaton survived harsh winter conditions by foraging and melting snow for hydration. Despite injuries from an avalanche and significant challenges, her remarkable survival skills and resilience helped her endure the ordeal. Authorities had conducted extensive searches before finding her. Slaton plans to return home, emphasizing the risks of outdoor activities during severe weather.

California – Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old woman who went missing for three weeks in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada, has been found alive. Slaton was discovered in an unlocked cabin at the Vermilion Valley Resort on May 16, 2025, by the resort’s owner, Christopher Gutierrez. This cabin was left open for lost hikers during the harsh winter storms that engulfed the area.

Authorities reported that Slaton had been in the cabin for only eight hours before her discovery. Initially last seen on April 20, she was riding a bicycle near Huntington Lake when she lost contact with family and friends. Her parents, Bobby and Fredrina, reported her missing on April 29 after not hearing from her for a week.

During her 21-day ordeal, Slaton encountered severe winter conditions, including extreme cold and heavy snowfall, which reached up to 12 feet in some areas. She faced life-threatening challenges, including being caught in an avalanche that injured her leg. Slaton lost nearly all her camping gear, retaining only a lighter, a knife, and some snacks. Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to call for help, she eventually managed to get a GPS signal on her phone.

Slaton characterized her survival experience as “very long” and “arduous.” She utilized her survival training and foraging knowledge to stay alive, relying on melted snow for hydration. To maintain her sanity throughout this harrowing experience, she began documenting her journey in a journal. Authorities described her resilience as remarkable, given the difficult conditions she faced during the search and her time alone in the wilderness.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office had conducted extensive search operations, covering over 600 square miles of the Sierra National Forest, before scaling back due to the challenging and dangerous conditions. Slaton’s eventual rescue underscores the dangers associated with outdoor activities in the winter wilderness.

At the time of her rescue, Slaton was deemed dehydrated but was in good condition. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Slaton is known as a competitive archer from Bermuda, and her experiences and training played a vital role in her ability to survive in such treacherous circumstances.

The cabin where Slaton was discovered provided essential shelter during a snowstorm. Visibility was extremely poor, heightening the difficulties and dangers she faced in the wilderness. Her family expressed immense relief upon hearing about her safe return, with her mother stating the day of her daughter’s discovery will be remembered as one of the best days of their lives.

Following this traumatic ordeal, Slaton plans to return to Georgia with her parents, signaling an end to a harrowing chapter in her life. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability and dangers of outdoor adventures, particularly in severe weather conditions. As the region continues to recover from the winter storms, Slaton’s survival has garnered attention, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and awareness when engaging in outdoor activities.

Overall, Tiffany Slaton’s remarkable survival story reminds both authorities and the public of the risks associated with hiking and camping in challenging environments, especially during winter months.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• CNN
• Wikipedia: Hiking
• LA Times
• Google Search: California missing hiker
• NBC Bay Area
• Google Scholar: Survival in wilderness
• Fresno Bee
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hiking safety
• KMPH
• Google News: Hiker rescue 2025
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