Lost fisherwoman finds safety in Sprague home

SPRAGUE – A female who became separated from her party while fishing at Fourth of July Lake Jan. 31 was later located at a house near Sprague lake amidst a search that involved the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, helicopter searches from Spokane County and the Sprague Fire Department.

Three individuals went fishing at Fourth of July Lake located south of Sprague Jan. 31. As evening approached they left the lake to return to the parking lot. A female in the group became separated from the other individuals and did not return to the parking lot by dark.

Lincoln County Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call reporting the lost individual. Sergeant Jerad McLagan responded to the area and did a quick search, with assistance from state patrol troopers who were in the area.

The lost female wasn’t located. Sheriff Wade Magers then activated life flight to fly the area in an attempt to locate her and provide aid if required. Life flight responded and flew the designated search area until fuel became low and they were forced to return to Spokane.

The assistance from Spokane County was requested as the search went into the night and the aid of their helicopter AIR ONE, was requested as they have a “Flir” system onboard, which essentially picks up a heat signature aiding in searching for lost persons.

Chief Criminal Deputy Kody Becker, Deputy Hayden and several members from the Sprague Fire Department, which included Fire Chief Mitch Lowery, also responded to assist in the search and rescue mission.

As daylight approached the lost female showed up at a house near Sprague Lake after walking throughout the night to safety. She was unharmed and all ended well. Deputies Mallon and Cuzzetto responded to the area and summoned aid from the Sprague ambulance crew. After she was checked out and cleared, the L.C.S.O. crew provided the woman a ride to Cheney.