A California woman who had been missing for 12 days was found alive “severely dehydrated and emaciated,” the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said.
Esmeralda Marie Pineda, 24, was rescued Friday at the top of a river canyon near the Yuba River, north of Sacramento, the sheriff’s office said.
Police found Esmeralda Marie Pineda after she has been missing for 12 days near the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek in Nevada City, California, September 6, 2024.
Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
Pineda required immediate medical attention and was transported to a hospital for treatment after being lifted from the canyon by the California Highway Patrol.
Pineda was reported missing on Aug. 26 after being last seen at a mining camp in Nevada City, California, according to the sheriff’s office.
The area was “treacherous” and required skilled Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers to rappel in and out of the canyon to look for her.
“The Sheriff’s Office and our search and rescue volunteers covered extensive ground throughout our search, and we are thankful today that we found her alive,” said NCSO Sergeant Dustin Moe.
The extent of her condition and injuries are unknown.