HOLDEN, Maine — A local man was found safe on Monday night after going for a walk in freezing temperatures, according to officials.
Family members of Joshua Webb, 25, became concerned around 7 p.m. when he had not returned home, according to Maine Warden Service Cpl. John MacDonald.
Holden and Brewer police responded, along with a canine from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, the Warden Service and Holden fire and rescue, MacDonald said.
Upon searching along railroad tracks near Wilson Street, also known as Route 1A, Deputy Ryan Allen found fresh footprints in the snow, and a canine track led officials to Webb in a large piece of woods between Wilson Street and Bagaduce Road, MacDonald said.
MacDonald said Webb was very cold, disoriented and not dressed for the subzero temperatures. A four-wheeler took Webb to a waiting ambulance which transported him to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bangor to be treated for decreased body temperature.
Had it not been for the quick thinking of responders, MacDonald said it’s unlikely Webb would have made it through the night with wind chills well below zero.
People going out in cold weather should use caution as hypothermia can set in quickly, and should always tell a friend or family member where they are going and when they plan to return.
