Long Beach man rescued after solo rappel near Seven Teacups waterfalls

A Long Beach man who planned a solo rappel down the Seven Teacups waterfalls in the Sequoia National Forest was found safe two days after he failed to return to his car and became trapped behind a powerful cascade. Ryan Wardwell, 46, was located behind a large waterfall by a drone after an extensive search by Tulare County authorities using aircraft with cameras and infrared technology. He was hoisted to safety by a California Highway Patrol helicopter, treated for minor injuries and dehydration, and reunited with his family.

Wardwell’s disappearance began on the evening of August 10, when he and four friends reached the top of the Seven Teacups near the North Fork of the Kern River. His friends decided to turn back after witnessing the force of the rushing water, while Wardwell continued on alone, as he had done on prior excursions. After his friends returned to the trailhead and found his vehicle still at the site, they left a note instructing others to report him missing if the car remained there the next day.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office launched a coordinated search Monday, deploying aircraft equipped with cameras and infrared technology to scan the canyon. The...