Hiker Missing For Three Days In Amador County Found Safe

AMADOR COUNTY (CBS13) – A hiker who had been missing for three days in a rural area of Amador County in the El Dorado National Forest has been found safe, according to the Amador County Sheriff's department.

Crews spotted 53-year-old Lauren Ellen DeLaTorre less than a mile away from the cabin where she was staying friends and family.

"She was in good spirits.  She appeared to be healthy.  She has some minor bruises and minor scrapes and scratches," said Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan.

DeLaTorre braved two nights alone in the El Dorado National Forest after becoming separated from friends and family while on a hike on Saturday.

Crews from Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Teams participated in the search for DeLaTorre along with air crews and canine teams.

"That's always our goal and hope, to find them alive this was a great ending to a lengthy search," said Sheriff Ryan.  "A lot of distress for the family.  They are going to have a happy July 4th now."

DeLaTorre is a kindergarten teacher from Camarillo told rescuers she'd be bringing some lessons learned back to her classroom.

"She mentioned to me today that she's going to have some great stories to tell her class when she gets back," Sheriff Ryan said.