Georgia Woman Found Alive After 3 Weeks Missing In California Mountains Thanks To An Unlocked Cabin

A Georgia woman who was missing for three weeks in the California mountains was “miraculously” found alive, thanks in part to a resort owner who left a cabin unlocked just in case someone got lost in a snowstorm, authorities said.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said the owner of Vermilion Valley Resort was checking cabins on his property near Lake Edison in Fresno County on Wednesday when he saw one of the cabins was occupied by a woman matching the description of a missing person and contacted authorities.

Tiffany Slaton, 27, was “dehydrated, but was otherwise in good condition” when she met with deputies and medics, and she was transported to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Slaton had embarked on a solo camping trip, but when she stopped contacting family they grew concerned. They reported her missing on April 29, after nine days without contact.

Authorities immediately launched a search, and alerted the public to be on the lookout. Tips from the public indicated she was spotted at Huntington Lake on April 20 and near the old Cressmans General Store on April 24, but there were no confirmed sightings after that.

Authorities were nearly ready to call off the search, which had covered nearly 600 square miles, “stretching from Mono Hot Springs to Wishon Reservoir, Pine Flat Lake to Auberry and all areas in between,” the sheriff’s office said. Kaiser pass was blocked by snow, but an aerial search showed no signs of Slaton or her belongings.

“It is important to note that the road from Kaiser Pass back to Lake Edison was impassable due to the snowpack,” the sheriff’s office said. Snow plows cleared the roads on Wednesday, which is how the resort owner was able to finally access the property to begin preparations for the summer season.

“The owner said he had left a cabin unlocked as a precaution for this exact situation where someone who is lost could seek shelter and increase their chances of surviving the outdoor elements and harsh weather,” the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said detectives are meeting with Slaton “to learn more about her timeline of events and overall experience.”