Overdue Smokies backpacker rescued

GATLINBURG – Morgan Briggs, the 70-year old backpacker who was overdue from a backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, was airlifted to safety today around 9:20 a.m. following an 8-night ordeal in the Smokies backcountry.   Assisting the National Park Service’s rescue effort, the Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Operations team, flying a Huey helicopter with hoisting capabilities, lifted Briggs from a ridge along the 5,000-foot Porters Mountain.  Briggs was safely carried in a hoisting seat 250 feet into the hovering helicopter.   The helicopter landed at the Sugarlands Visitor Center where Briggs got out and appeared in good condition.   He was then taken to the Park’s Little River Ranger Station to talk to rangers about the circumstances that led to his rescue.

Apparently, after Briggs set out on Saturday, August 22, he became lost on Sunday, the second day of his four-day planned backpacking trip which included hiking off trail in a remote, rugged portion of the park.   Park Rangers said after interviewing Briggs, that he became disoriented by the heavily vegetated and steep terrain and his trek was hampered by sheer rock bluffs, downed trees, and dense rhododendron.   Briggs made it to the top of Porters Mountain on Monday and that is where he remained throughout.   A contract helicopter spotted Briggs late Saturday afternoon.  The pilot saw a tent and Briggs waving his arms.   Briggs was said to have rationed his food, spam and fruit, and was able to capture rain water to help sustain him until he was rescued.

Briggs did not need any medical attention and left the Park with family members.   Over the five day search effort, about 40 National Park Service personnel were involved in the effort.