Search Returns Missing Union County Woman

Leah Dunn of Union County, was headed out on her 4-wheeler Tuesday afternoon to go fishing in a wooded area near Spencer Lane.

But, her fishing trip turned into an overnight nightmare, after she got lost in the woods.

Just before her cell phone went out, she was able to send a message to a friend, saying she was lost.

Fred White is a member of the Union County Search & Rescue team, "She got confused where she was at.  And, she got her 4-wheeler stuck and she kind of panicked and didn't know where she was at the time."

For 15 hours, Union County Search and Rescue crews looked for Dunn by land and air.

By 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, Dunn reached a gravel road. One final message to a friend alerted authorities to a possible location.

The situation could have taken a turn for the worse is Leah had not been able to stay hydrated in the soaring temperatures.

She told police she laid in a creek and drank creek water to stay cool.

"You could put your hands in it and wash your face off, things like that, to cool your body down."

Rescuers also say try to leave a trail, even if it's something as simple as tire tracks.

And keep some water handy and a fully charged cell phone, because even if you don't have enough service to make a phone call, you still have the hope of sending a text.

"Do not leave vehicle whatever you are on, it's like a landmark so it's always easier to find vehicle if you just walking through woods."

Searchers say whatever you do, try to stay calm because when you try to make it out alone, most times you get even more lost.