Man Hiked Nearly 12 Miles Through Canyon After His Car Broke Down. He Was Found Safe 2 Days Later

A man who had been missing for two days was found safe after trekking nearly 12 miles through a canyon in Texas, authorities reported.

On Sunday evening, Aug. 24, officials confirmed that Jonathon Miller had been located, according to the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office in a news release.

Miller told Sheriff Victor Lopez that his Jeep broke down on Friday, Aug. 22, forcing him to hike almost 12 miles through Madera Canyon in Big Bend Ranch State Park.

“Sheriff Lopez can confirm that Jonathon is in good spirits and grateful to everyone who helped find him,” the sheriff’s office said. “He is currently undergoing a medical evaluation and will be reunited with his family shortly.”

For days, authorities were unsure of Miller’s whereabouts.

The Reeves County resident had been reported missing after failing to reach his destination in Jeff Davis County as planned.

On the day he was found, officials issued a public notice about his disappearance, enlisting both local residents and a helicopter from the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist in the search.

Madera Canyon, located on the northwestern face of the Santa Rita Mountains, is about twenty-five miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona.

Later the same day, authorities discovered Miller’s vehicle, but he was still missing.

“We will continue to provide updates as progress is made,” the sheriff’s office said at the time. “Thank you for your support and for helping us bring him home safely.”

Almost six hours later, officials reported that Miller had been found safe and was being transported for medical care. A final announcement included a photo of Miller on a gurney, sunburned but giving a thumbs-up.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, while Big Bend Ranch State Park is scenic, it can be dangerous in the summer months.

“In warm weather months, be prepared for extreme summer heat,” the agency advised. “Temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees by late morning and can reach as high as 130 degrees in the sun. They remain at dangerous levels even after sunset.”

Miller’s safe return was met with praise from local residents.

“I want to say thank you to everyone involved in this search for a missing person in our community,” one man wrote. “It really is wonderful to see everybody pull together and help others when there is a time of need.”