Woman Rescued ‘Alive and Safe’ at Bottom of Canyon Days After Disappearing from ‘Perilous’ Campsite
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Janelle-Banda-missing-061625jpg-b517b001bead4829912a9700383676c0.jpg)
A 32-year-old woman, Janelle Banda, who went missing from the Edge of the World campsite in Flagstaff, Arizona, has been found after being last seen on Friday, June 13. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Janelle Banda was discovered “alive and safe” on Monday, June 16, following her disappearance while camping with her father, David Banda. The search for Janelle ended when she walked away from their campsite, as reported by authorities.
According to a report by the Coconino County Sheriff, Janelle was found by a member of the search team near the bottom of Bear Sign Canyon in the Coconino National Forest. The collaborative efforts of the Coconino County and Pinal County sheriff’s offices led to her rescue. Sam Salzwedel, a public information officer with the Pinal County Sheriff, mentioned that Janelle was located in a narrow canyon on steep terrain, where Pinal County’s helicopter assisted in hoisting her out for safety.
The Edge of the World campground, where Janelle and her father were camping, is known for its hazardous terrain with steep drop-offs as detailed in previous reports. Before her rescue, her father, David, emphasized the need for caution when visiting the area due to its dangerous cliffs and canyons. The report stated that Janelle had walked away from the camp with unknown intentions and had not returned, leading to her initial disappearance.
Upon learning of her safe recovery, Janelle’s sister, Sarah Banda, expressed her relief, mentioning her eagerness to reunite with her sister. Sarah shared her gratitude for the rescue team’s efforts and expressed her renewed appreciation for every moment with her sister. Janelle was last seen around 10:30 p.m. local time on the night of her disappearance, sparking concerns and a search operation by authorities.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for the search and rescue mission, did not disclose further details about Janelle’s discovery but confirmed her well-being upon being found. The collaboration between multiple agencies and the swift action taken to locate Janelle highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in such emergency situations, resulting in a successful outcome.
The relieved family members and authorities are thankful for Janelle’s safe return after the distressing ordeal. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities and the essential precautions required when exploring remote or hazardous locations. Janelle’s survival story stands as a testament to resilience, hope, and the dedication of search and rescue teams in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in distress.
In conclusion, the successful rescue of Janelle Banda brings a positive outcome to what could have been a tragic situation, highlighting the importance of preparedness and swift response in emergencies. The family’s reunion and the community’s relief underscore the significance of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming challenges, ensuring that such incidents end with a positive resolution.