A California man was dramatically rescued by helicopter after being trapped behind a waterfall for two days while climbing.
Ryan Wardwell, 46, from Long Beach, visited the Seven Teacups waterfalls on August 10 with plans to rappel down, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. However, the powerful force of the waterfalls knocked him off his rappelling lines, leaving him stranded behind a cascade on the Kern River.
When Wardwell didn’t return to his car that night, authorities launched a search on August 11 using infrared technology and aircraft. Rough terrain and fading light made the search difficult that day, but rescuers eventually found him the next morning using a drone to scan behind the waterfall.
Wardwell was conscious when spotted and explained how he had become trapped. A California Highway Patrol helicopter crew then airlifted him to safety in what the sheriff’s office called a “stunning survival story.” He was treated for dehydration and minor injuries before being reunited with his family, who had rushed to the scene.
Video of the rescue, shared by the sheriff’s office on Facebook, showed the helicopter maneuvering through dense foliage and spray before lifting Wardwell to safety. The Seven Teacups, a popular spot for hikers and adventurers, is located in a remote area about two hours south of Sequoia National Park.
Wardwell had rappelled the falls multiple times before, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. On this trip, friends accompanied him but turned back after seeing the dangerous water conditions. They left a note on his car asking anyone who saw it the next day to report him missing.
After being swept off his rappelling line, Wardwell ended up in a dark cave behind the waterfall—soaked and unable to escape for two days.
“There was nothing he could do to break through,” Tulare County Sheriff’s Captain Kevin Kemmerling told the Chronicle. “He had no way to warm up or dry out—it must have been miserable.”
Rescuer Mike Crane added, “I got the impression he wasn’t sure he’d ever get out.”
The sheriff’s office urged the public to always assess their surroundings and abilities, especially near fast-moving water like the Seven Teacups. Their message: “Stay safe, stay smart, and stay alive.”
FAQS
### **FAQs About the “Incredible Survival Tale”: California Man Rescued After Being Trapped Behind a Waterfall for Two Days**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. What happened to the California man trapped behind the waterfall?**
A man hiking near a waterfall in California slipped and got stuck in a small cave-like space behind the waterfall. He survived for two days before being rescued by police.
**2. Where did this incident happen?**
The incident occurred near a waterfall in Malibu Creek State Park, California.
**3. How long was the man trapped?**
He was trapped for approximately two days before being rescued.
**4. How did he survive without food or water?**
He drank water from the waterfall and stayed in a sheltered area to avoid hypothermia.
**5. Who rescued him?**
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue team found and rescued him.
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#### **Intermediate Questions**
**6. How did the man get trapped behind the waterfall?**
He slipped while hiking near the waterfall and fell into a crevice behind it, where he became stuck.
**7. How did rescuers locate him?**
A friend reported him missing, and search teams used drones and helicopters to scan the area before spotting him.
**8. Was the man injured?**
Yes, he had minor injuries and was treated for dehydration and exposure but is expected to recover.
**9. Why couldn’t he free himself?**
The space was narrow, slippery, and surrounded by rushing water, making it nearly impossible to climb out alone.
**10. What survival skills helped him stay alive?**
He stayed calm, conserved energy, and used the waterfall’s water to stay hydrated.
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#### **Advanced Questions**
**11. What are the biggest dangers of being trapped behind a waterfall?**
Hypothermia, drowning from rising water, dehydration, and injuries from slippery rocks.
**12. How do search and rescue teams prepare for such missions?**
They use drones, helicopters, thermal imaging, and trained personnel to navigate dangerous terrain.
**13. What should you do if you get trapped in a similar situation?**
Stay calm, find shelter, signal for help, and conserve energy.
