[UPDATE 10:52 a.m.] Missing Father and Son Mushroom Hunters Located

Icon HCSO Humboldt County Sheriff's OfficeAccording to a tweet from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office,

[The] missing mushroom hunters have been found safe after a long, wet night in the woods. More information to follow.

Gavin McFarlin and his nine-year-old son, Kieran McFarlin, were last seen Saturday at 11:33 a.m. The two had gone hunting for mushrooms in the Big Lagoon area. Their vehicle was eventually found alongside Hwy 101 and a search was began last night.

At approximately 9:55 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office tweeted that the two had been located.

We’ll update when more info comes in.

UPDATE 10:14 a.m.: The Sheriff’s Office just tweeted, “Missing father and son have been found alive and well, but cold. Will release more details soon.”

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: From the Sheriff’s Office:

Gavin and Kieran McFarlin have been found safe following search and rescue efforts in the Big Lagoon area.

The two missing persons were located around 9:45 a.m. by a passerby driving on U.S. Highway 101. The two subjects told deputies that they had been mushroom hunting when they got lost in the woods. Due to darkness, the two stayed put and made shelter in the woods until daybreak, at which time they were able to hike back out to the highway. The two were located several miles south of their vehicle. They were evaluated and treated on scene by medical personnel for cold exposure.

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22 Comments
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Just Me
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Just Me
4 years ago

Yes! What a relief, nice to have happy endings!

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
4 years ago

Good to hear some good news… after a long cold night !

Bea
Guest
Bea
4 years ago

Yes , good that they were found.🤘🏻 I love mushrooms 🍄🙂

Laurie
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Laurie
4 years ago

Awesome update this am…

Dn F
Guest
Dn F
4 years ago

Outstanding news!!!

Keahi
Guest
Keahi
4 years ago

So glad for a happy ending. I was once lost in the woods at night, alone, for several hours while I was out mushroom hunting. It is very easy to do, as you are looking down as you walk and not always paying attention to where you are going. I stumbled and slid for hours in profound darkness in the woods, cold and panicked. I was not far from houses, I would have likely been fine hunkering down, but I really, really didn’t want to spend the night out in the woods with the bears. In the end I got lucky. I yelled “Help!” a lot, at the top of my lungs – I was shameless – and also, I was missed, so I was eventually found by friends over a mile from where I started out. Very glad I did not have Search and Rescue called in, but it was close. Yes, staying put is a very good idea. Also, don’t be a fool and go out at sunset like I did – “I’ll just take a quick look out back, just for five minutes!” It happened to be a great year, I was greedy, and those mushroom fairies can lead you astray. Lost my entire haul anyway in the Forest of No Return. What a learning experience for me. So – when going into the woods, even for a walk on a trail, bring a light source, bring warm clothes, bring a compass, bring matches or a lighter – a fire source. A night out without shelter at this time of year can be deadly. And most importantly, just as in hiking, tell someone that you are going after shrooms, where you will be, and when you expect to return.

Guest
Guest
Guest
4 years ago
Reply to  Keahi

Good warning. Another thing to bring with you if you can is a good dog. While I have lost myself a few times, my dogs have always known how to get back.

Mountain Man
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Mountain Man
4 years ago

City folk! He put his son at risk with his carelessness. Buy the way whose land was he trespassing on ?

Apricot Addington
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Apricot Addington
4 years ago
Reply to  Mountain Man

You just made three assumptions in a single comment. Congratulations.

Willie Caos-mayham
Guest
4 years ago

🕯🌳Well I tried to say it the first time but I guess it didn’t take but I think they were taking what they where picking. 🤯👁🇺🇸

No Joke
Guest
No Joke
4 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Exactly. Mushroom hunters get lost all the time. There was a whole episode of Survivorman about it.

Burnt Roach (new handle)
Guest
Burnt Roach (new handle)
4 years ago

A good example of why it’s always good to have a butane lighter in your pocket. Also, perhaps one of those pocket size silver colour “space blankets”. Maybe even a compass, for those who don’t understand about moss on the north side of a tree. Good to read they are safe. Giving some serious thought to getting my young kids some survival training. Keep in mind there are many places around here where you can drive off the road and be forced to use your survival skills until someone finds you.

Chuck U
Guest
Chuck U
4 years ago

Have you ever been in those coastal spruce forests this time of year, you can’t start a fire with a flamethrower. I keep dry kindling in my car and was at a Big Lagoon county park campsite and there was some wood set under a picnic table to stay “dry”, the only warmth I ever got was from exertion trying to get that damn fire going.

Glad they are safe. This time of year there are dark holes where you need a flashlight at high noon, it gets dark quick.

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
4 years ago

Once, I read the 20 step test for edible mushrooms; the final step was to try them and see what happens. That’s the crapshoot part of hunting mushrooms. Who needs casinos?

DivideByZero
Guest
DivideByZero
4 years ago

If you’re venturing into dense forest carry a game string. I like the belt mounted unit with yellow string and it’s biodegradable.

North west
Guest
North west
4 years ago

Find yourself a wood rat nest. They’re all over this country. Coastal and inland. Kick it apart.( watch for fleas) Then use the road flair you have with you and you’ll have a fire If you don’t have a flair the middle of the nest will start with one match

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
4 years ago

I do my best to get lost in the woods at least once a year.

A candle is a great addition to any survival pack. Lighting anything on the Northcoast this time of year is a challenge and a candle helps since you can keep a flame on it. Dig deep into dead alder and you find dry punk…. makes good tinder.

In all of my packs I have a self-made fire kit with a tea lite candle, matches, and newspaper vacuum sealed and waterproof.

North west- great idea on using wood rats’ nests.

Man from Glad
Guest
4 years ago

Whan i go out in the woods i always carry a deck of cards with me, (forget the compass) if i ever feel like i am lost I sit down and play solitare.Someone will always tap me on the shoulder and tell me the card I misplayed.

Amused
Guest
Amused
4 years ago
Reply to  Man from Glad

Funniest comment I have read on this site!

Big Brother
Guest
Big Brother
4 years ago

Don’t worry, I always have an eye on you

TheDuplex
Guest
TheDuplex
4 years ago

Gavo!