Overview

• A drone flown behind the cascade located 46-year-old Ryan Wardwell alive two days after powerful hydraulics trapped him behind the Seven Teacups waterfall.
• A California Highway Patrol helicopter hoisted Wardwell to safety, ending a search hampered by rugged terrain and fading daylight.
• Medical teams treated him for dehydration and minor injuries before he reunited with his family in Tulare County.
• Friends who halted the rappel and left a note on his vehicle prompted authorities to launch the missing-person operation.
• Authorities have used the incident to remind outdoor enthusiasts about the need for proper equipment and skills when navigating powerful river hydraulics.