An Ashland man was rescued from a hole in a wooded area near his home after he was reported missing.
Friday's incident began in the morning after 93-year-old Fred Lindenmuth's family reported him missing. While it was not strange for Lindenmuth to leave his home and walk around Ashland, it was strange for him to be gone as early as it was.
His family contacted the police department, who are aware of Lindenmuth's walking habits.
Police searched town Friday morning and checked his usual stops, but everyone reported they hadn't seen him.
By midday, his family and Ashland Police became more concerned and called in help from the local fire departments including Ashland, Girardville, and Englewood to assist.
Search parties checked all the trails which turned out to be negative. A State Police Helicopter also searched the area from above.
Just after 3:30pm, 911 received a call from neighbors of Lindenmuth. They had heard about his disappearance and began to search as well.
About 100 yards from Lindenmuth's home, behind Brock Cemetary, well off any regular trail, Lindenmuth was found in a deep hole, about 15 feet deep. He was scraped and bruised, but in good spirits. The neighbors said the hole was a common spot for them to dispose of their tree and bush trimmings.
Firefighters jumped into action and pulled Lindenmuth to safety. Ashland's Washington Ambulance was already on scene for the search and waiting for him as soon as we was rescued. Also assisting was Shenandoah Ambulance.
He was then transferred to Geisinger Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Lindenmuth told his rescuers that he had fallen in the hole on Thursday evening.
Departments assisting in the incident including the Washington Fire Company, Washington Rescue, American Hose Company, Rangers Hose Company from Girardville, Fountain Springs (Englewood) UTV, the Ashland Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Washington Ambulance, and Shenandoah Ambulance.
