California man trapped behind waterfall for 2 days rescued by police; here’s how search ops unfolded

A man was rescued by police in California two days after he got trapped behind a waterfall when the force of the water pushed him off his climbing lines. According to law enforcement officials, the man identified as Ryan Wardwell was rescued by California police using a helicopter. Wardwell, the 46-year-old man from California’s Long Beach, had planned to rappel down waterfalls known as the Seven Teacups on Sunday (August 10, 2025) in a remote area about two hours south of Sequoia National Park, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday (August 13, 2025), as reported by CBS News.

A search and rescue operation was launched after he did not return to his car that night. Law enforcement utilized infrared technology and aircraft to attempt to locate Wardwell. The rough terrain and late hour forced officials to suspend the search until the next day.




A breakthrough was achieved during the early hours on Tuesday (August 12, 2025) when a dive and rescue team used a drone to pinpoint Wardwell, according to CBS News. Police said that he was alive and responsive behind a large waterfall.

According to police officials, he came off his rappelling lines when "the extreme hydraulics of the river" trapped him behind the cascade. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office posted a video of Wardwell's rescue on Facebook.

The California Highway Patrol used a helicopter to hoist Wardwell to safety. Following his rescue, the man received treatment for minor injuries and dehydration, and later, he reunited with his family.