Ron Dailey, a 65 year old man from Selma, California, embarked on a solo hunting trip in the Sierra National Forest in mid-October. Something that’s supposed to be routine was turned upside down in a matter of hours into a survival nightmare. Dailey picked up his truck and was shredded on the Moo Nook Swamp Lake Trail on the way down, leaving him hopelessly stranded deep in the wilderness far from help.
After realizing that the vehicle couldn’t move, Dailey decided to stay beside the truck. He removed the passenger seat from his 2002 Dodge Dakota and created a makeshift shelter through the space available. He rationed the limited supplies at hand and relied primarily on his outdoor knowledge to endure those cold nights that even uncertain weather brought.
A Spiritual Anchor in Isolation
Dailey had a prayer every night. He later described, “It was me and God every night.” His faith, which offered him strength and hope during the long lonely days, still determined him to survive even as his physical condition deteriorated. and tested his mental endurance with isolation.
Desperate Move
But after almost three weeks without rescue, Dailey figured it was probably no longer an option to stay put. To leave his shelter and try to find his way out of the forest, he made the painful decision. Weak, dehydrated and pretty much blasted, he fought through rough, almost impassable terrain. With every step he took, he was inspired to see his family again.
A Miraculous Rescue
On November 1, 2025, some other hunters searching the area found Dailey. After struggling, he finally reached the Swamp Lake trail, and he could hardly walk. The hunters called the authorities, and Dailey was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. His family, who reported Dailey as missing on October 13, expressed immense relief and gratitude when they heard about his rescue.
Community and Family Support
Dailey’s survival story has swept the nation as an inspiration. His family salutes the search teams and hunters who contributed to finding him. The Selma community has rallied around the Dailey family in support and celebration of his safe return.
