TN National Guard Rescue Hiker and Dog Lost in Cherokee National Forest

On Saturday afternoon, May 2, 2026 a flight crew with the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion assisted multiple emergency and law enforcement agencies rescue a lost hiker and his dog who were stranded in the Cherokee National Forest.  The hiker, who had been lost for nearly 24 hours, was found by rescue personnel and needed to be airlifted out of a ravine. The man was hypothermic after spending the night in the ravine wearing shorts and a t-shirt with temperatures dropping into the 40s. The hiker  and his dog named Jack were airlifted out of the ravine. When everyone was safely on board the helicopter, first aid was continued and the hiker was given fluids intravenously.  The man and his dog were in stable condition and are expected to recover.