Coos County, OR. – Official Release: On 12/06/24, around 630PM, North Coos Dispatch received a call of a missing person whom separated from her party while mushroom picking in the area south of Shore Acres State Park. The missing subject was identified as being Colleen Fiorucci (65).
CCSO Deputy Burgo began the investigation, notified Oregon State Police and soon after, notified the Coos County Search & Rescue Coordinator (SAR) in the event the missing subject was not quickly located. A Timber Deputy responded to assist and attempted to locate the subject behind locked private timber property gates east of Shore Acres State Park property. Due to the area of where the missing subject was said to be, the local U.S. Coast Guard was requested to assist due to their specialized equipment on their Rescue helicopter. Just prior to the next morning early hours, due to declining weather conditions and safety, the Deputies and Coast Guard postponed search efforts for the night.
On the morning of 12/07/24, the Coos County SAR team responded with K-9’s, ground searchers and the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard. The search continued throughout the day, late evening and into the night without locating the subject. At night, the rescue efforts were postponed until the following morning.
On the morning of 12/08/24, Coos County SAR team returned with the assistance of its CORSAR partners; Douglas County, Jackson County, Curry County, Siskiyou County SAR and the U.S. Coast Guard.
At approximately 1230PM, voice contact was established by SAR ground searchers. Two impressive ground searchers trekked through some dense dark brush to find Colleen, whom was cold, wet and tired.
SAR members Meredith Childs and Tim Hawkins got Colleen to an extraction location accessible by the helicopter and started a warming fire to begin caring for Colleen. U.S. Coast Guard utilizing their helicopter rescue team, Colleen was hoisted out of the forest area and quickly taken to the local medical facility for care.
Thank you CORSAR and we are glad Colleen is safe!
If you plan on going into the forest, please prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Plan for the trip you are going on and be mindful of the terrain and weather conditions. Dress for the weather, stick to your plan and always insure someone knows your plan.
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