PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A skier from California reported missing on Christmas afternoon was found safe on Thursday.
The search for Ashlee Gingerich began around 5 p.m. Wednesday when Deschutes County deputies were alerted she had not reunited with her skiing partners. The Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol swept all the runs right away and did not find her.
Deschutes County Search and Rescue professionals and volunteers then got involved and used a drone in their search. Again, she was not spotted.
Authorities told The Bend Bulletin on Thursday she crashed into a tree while she was intoxicated and wasn’t able to get back on her skis. She ditched her equipment and walked downhill before falling asleep.
When she woke up, the 30-year-old walked to safety.
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