Caldwell County man found alive - WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC

Caldwell County man found alive

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Ricky Ray Starnes Jr Ricky Ray Starnes Jr
CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (WBTV) -

A Caldwell County man wandered over two-and-a-half miles during two nights in the foothills before being found Tuesday morning. 35-year-old Ricky Starnes Jr. told authorities he became disoriented and lost in the rough terrain of the Edgemont area of Caldwell County. He also swam across a nearby creek before finding a house where he was provided food and shelter.

Family members reported Starnes missing Monday afternoon, nearly a day after he first walked away from his home.

Personnel from the sheriff's department, along with Caldwell County Emergency Management used dogs and searched on foot before neighbors led them to the home where he'd been spotted.

Members of the search team say Starnes was treated at a local hospital.

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