The call first came into the West Virginia Department of Highways. A homeless person was trapped or lost off a busy entrance ramp on I-81. The Department of Highways forwarded the information to the Berkeley County Sheriffs Department. State Senator John Unger became aware of the problem, and called me seeking information about a camp in or around that area that I had filmed in. He advised me to call the sheriff and find out what the current situation was.

After calling the Sheriff’s Department and finding out the location that was in question, I went into the woods after dark. I felt that if anyone was trapped out there, their chance of survival would be very slim. After a few feet of snow, freezing temperatures, and drifting winds it would be tough.

Since the call came in to the Department of Highways, and was anonymous, there was little concrete information to go on. Without finding any tracks or signs, I called off the search until daylight. In the morning, after loading up with food, sleeping bags, and other supplies I went back out.

I knew of a small camper that was on the property. During the dark hours of the day before, I had talked with a lady that lived in it. When I arrived there in the morning, I found her and the man she shares the camper with. They were tired, out of water, and low on food. They had even run out of matches to light their heater. Once it burned out the heat would be gone. She cried as I unloaded water, can food, hot food, clothing, and two lighters.

Then I realized that maybe the anonymous caller was just a concerned citizen who knew they lived back there and would be trapped without the road being cleared. The Department of Highways could not clear the gravel road because it was on private property and they had no idea where it was located.

Senator Unger’s personal involvement in this matter forced it to a happy conclusion and just in the nick of time. Dave Starliper, a local volunteer, offered to assist in a complete grid search if needed. Once again it just goes to show what a concerned person can do to help and what an impact that help can have.

2.16.10
DJ McCoy