Rescue teams turn up missing outdoorsman
Valerie Albert, vice president of David Thompson Search and Rescue, relayed information via radio while responders searched for John Hantz on March 24. (Will Langhorne/The Western News)
John Hantz and his bull mastiff Chester. A concerned neighbor reported Hantz missing on March 23 after he headed into the Lincoln County backcountry with Chester. Rescuers found Hantz in safe condition the following day. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hantz)
John Hantz's Can-Am side-by-side. A concerned neighbor reported Hantz missing on March 23 after he headed into the Lincoln County backcountry in the side-by-side with his dog. Rescuers found Hantz in safe condition the following day. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hantz)
John Hantz's bull mastiff Chester. A concerned neighbor reported Hantz missing on March 23 after he headed into the Lincoln County backcountry with Chester. Rescuers found Hantz in safe condition the following day. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hantz)
Following a day of search and rescue operations on March 24, authorities found a missing Libby man who disappeared in the brush with his dog earlier this week.
Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel said first responders found John Hantz, 69, in safe condition in the Barron Creek drainage late in the afternoon. A Libby Volunteer Ambulance crew evaluated Hantz.
Chester, Hantz’s bull mastiff, also is in good condition, according to a social media post from the Lincoln County Sherriff’s Office.
A concerned neighbor reported Hantz missing to Libby Police the day before. To mount a search, the department requested assistance from the sheriff’s office, according to a press release from the department.
Sheriff Darren Short said local law enforcement called in a civil air patrol plane from Billings to comb the area. Volunteers with David Thompson Search and Rescue took part in the effort as well.
Short said Hantz was last seen on March 22.
Rachel Hantz, John Hantz’s niece, said her uncle was preparing to trek into the woods with Chester when he was last spotted. On his way out into the backcountry, John Hantz regularly stops at a gas station where he fuels up his Can-Am side-by-side and gets a treat for Chester.
John Hantz has gotten stuck before while out on trips, according to his niece. Considering her uncle’s age and health conditions, Rachel Hantz was concerned about him being stuck in the elements for two nights.
Following the news of the rescue, Philip Hantz, John Hantz’s brother, praised the efforts of responders and commended residents who helped spread Rachel Hantz’s message on social media.
“What an incredible community there in Libby,” he said “Everyone is so helpful and caring.”
Philip Hantz said responders told him it appeared his brother’s side-by-side had gotten stuck. John Hantz then stayed in or near the rig until the search and rescue team arrived. Philip Hantz said a deputy told him his brother did not require hospitalization.
“With everything that’s going on in the world, this is a bright light,” he said.