Struggling to break free for two consecutive days, the California climber found himself trapped amidst the relentless cascade of water.
In August 2025, Ryan Wardwell, a 46-year-old climber from Long Beach, California, found himself trapped behind a waterfall at the Seven Teacups Trail in Sequoia National Forest. Wardwell had set out for a day of rappelling down the waterfalls, but a misstep led him to get stuck due to the strong hydraulics of the river.
His friends returned without him on Sunday evening, and when Wardwell failed to return, a search party was launched the following day. The search team utilised aircraft equipped with cameras and infrared technology to scour the area.
On Tuesday morning, the rescuers from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, along with a swift-water dive team and a drone, located Wardwell behind the large waterfall. A helicopter from the California Highway Patrol was used to hoist him to safety, taking extra care to ensure he wasn't dragged through the waterfall or faced any slip hazards.
Upon his rescue, Wardwell was treated for minor injuries and dehydration at a nearby landing zone, where he was reunited with his family. The ordeal left Wardwell cold and damp, as he was unable to warm up or dry out during his two-day entrapment.
Captain Kevin Kemmerling, of the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, emphasised the dangers of navigating white water and rappelling in such environments. He reminded the public to be aware of their environment and capabilities, suggesting that solo climbing and canyoneering are risky activities due to the difficulty in getting help in emergencies.
Wardwell's harrowing experience serves as a reminder to adventurers to always prioritise safety and to never underestimate the challenges that nature can present. Despite the difficulties he faced, Wardwell's resilience and the coordinated search efforts led to his safe recovery.
[1] Tulare County Sheriff's Office Press Release, 2025. [2] Kern River Search and Rescue Team Report, 2025. [3] California Highway Patrol Incident Report, 2025. [4] Personal Interview with Ryan Wardwell, 2025.
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