Hiker found alive about 10 hours after he got lost in Cherokee park

A hiker was found alive early Monday, about 10 hours after he went missing in a Cherokee County park, Canton police said.

Brendan Dowling, 41, of Kennesaw, was walking on the trails behind Boling Park in Canton when he called 911 about 6:30 p.m. Sunday and said he was lost, according to police.

His cellphone battery died during the call, Canton police spokesman Pacer Cordry said.

Authorities began searching for Dowling, and they soon found his vehicle at the park, Cordry said.

At that point, Canton police as well as Cherokee fire and sheriff’s officials launched a wider search using ATVs and a police helicopter.

Dowling was found on a wooded trail about 4:30 a.m. wearing a T-shirt and shorts, Cordry said. He was evaluated by search and rescue personnel and later reunited with family.

Channel 2 Action News video showed Dowling covered with a blanket as he left with his family.

Police have not said how he got lost.

“We’re still waiting on those details,” Cordry said. “I believe he just entered into the trail and it got dark really quick on him. It’s easy to get turned around in these wooded areas out here.”

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

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