Teen Hiker Found Safe Near French Lick After 12 Hour Search

FRENCH LICK -- A search for a missing teen hiker in Orange County has some to a happy ending.

Conservation officers located the 19-year-old late Monday night after a 12 hour search for the hiker.

The hiker’s father became concerned when his son didn’t return from a hike on the Springs Valley Trail outside of French Lick over the weekend and called police.

Officers located the teen wearing only a tank top and shorts.Though exhausted, the DNR says he’s in good condition and had a tearful reuinion with his father.

Conservation officers remind hikers to be prepared when taking to the woods.Be sure to have a cell phone, a trail map, compass, first aide kit, flash light and extra food and water.