Missing man alive, hypothermic in Fernan Creek drainage

A man missing since Friday has been found alive.

Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ryan Higgins said Joel Brown, 37, was found about 1 p.m. today in the Fernan Creek drainage. He was hypothermic and rescuers are on site with him, waiting for air transport to a medical center.

Higgins said the area where they found Brown “is a jungle,” so a helicopter with a hoist is necessary to remove him.

He said searchers began their mission Tuesday morning above the Fernan gun range and worked their way up the canyon.

They found a few clues, including a water bottle, and followed those before finding Brown. He is being treated at the scene.

Higgins said it was unknown if Brown had food, water or supplies, or if he was dressed for conditions, when he became lost.

Brown, 37, of Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls, was reported missing Sunday, a press release said. His vehicle was seen Friday on Forest Service Road 499 near Fernan Saddle, according to a press release. Initially, it was thought the occupants were hiking in the area. On Sunday, the vehicle was in the same area, the release said. KCSO deputies, Forest Service officers, volunteers from the Kootenai County Volunteer Search and Rescue Unit and Spokane Air Unit searched for Brown Sunday and Monday.

Due to darkness and the steep, brushy terrain, the search was suspended Monday until this morning.