William Dale
Published online June 3, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
ALLEYN-ET-CAWOOD — A Danford Lake senior was found safe after becoming lost in the woods on May 20, thanks to a quick response by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and local emergency personnel.
The man had been checking small-animal traps near a beaver dam with his nephew at about 2 pm. According to SQ Sgt. Yves Martineau, the nephew asked the man to remain in one location while he checked a nearby trap. When he returned a short time later, the man was gone.
Believing he may have returned to their vehicle or headed home, family members conducted their own search before contacting police at about 5:45 pm when they were unable to locate him.
Police immediately dispatched officers to the area and began a search from the location where the man was last seen. Recognizing the challenges posed by the area’s extensive trail network, Martineau marked intersections and trail forks with orange police tape while on his way to retrieve his ATV, creating a route to help guide arriving responders to the search command post.
While placing tape along an isolated trail, Martineau spotted the missing man in a ditch nearly two kilometres from where he had last been seen.
At 7:10 pm, just over an hour after police were notified, Martineau made contact with the senior.
The man had spent several hours in the bush and suffered minor scratches to his hands and face while moving through dense vegetation. One of his boots had also come apart during the ordeal. Despite signs of mild confusion and fatigue, he was otherwise in good condition, Martineau said.
Emergency crews provided water and snacks while waiting for paramedics to assess him.
The search effort also involved local firefighters, who were preparing to deploy thermal imaging and infrared drones to assist with the operation.
Martineau credited the successful outcome to the family’s prompt communication with police and the coordinated efforts of emergency responders, which allowed the search to conclude safely before nightfall.