Yellow Creek – For the second time in a span of 2 1/2 weeks, a hiker had to be rescued from the Appalachian Trail in Graham County.
Personnel from Graham County Fire and Rescue, Stecoah Fire and Rescue, and U.S. Forest Service responded to a report of an injured hiker around 5:45 p.m., Friday. Further information indicated that the hiker had a leg fracture and a carryout would be necessary.
Tory Lynnes reached the injured man – Ron Patton, 54, of Casar – about ½ mile from Yellow Creek Gap around 6:30 p.m. Patton appeared to have a leg fracture just above the top of his boot. Patton said he had fallen off the trail in steep terrain. Two companions with him witnessed the fall and called for help.
Rescuers brought Patton out to Yellow Creek Gap in a basket stretcher just after 8 p.m.
Standing by at the scene, Graham County EMS transported him to Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva for treatment.