(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
HAYDEN, Idaho -A missing Kootenai County teen was found safe this weekend, and many are calling a man and his stepson heroes for helping find her.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office asked for the public to help find the missing 19-year-old on Friday. They said Kathryn "Katie" Ogle of Hayden was last seen walking towards the heavily wooded area near the 6900 block of E. Ohio Match Road near N. Rimrock Road.
"Kathryn is known to have multiple medical alerts and the cognitive ability of an approximate 10-12 year old," the Sheriff's Office said in a release. "She was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and black pants. Kathryn is described as 5’4” and 100 lbs, with green eyes and blonde hair."
Deputies and search and rescue experts scoured the area for hours looking for Katie. Chris Trumbich and his stepson Ryle were returning from a hunting trip. They have a family cabin in that gernal area. They knew deputies were looking for the missing girl.
"Right place right time, I guess," Chris said.
The men were driving on an old dirt road when they noticed the word "HELP" written in the ground and sticks nearby.
"In the picture you can see, I started to drive over it," Chris said.
But his fatherly instincts kicked in quick. He and Ryle then drove to find search and rescue personnel. They say she was found nearby after the heard what he can only describe as a whimper.
"She was about 30 yards away or so," he said.
Chris later learned Katie had been in their cabin and used some materials inside to stay alive. He says he wants Katie to know he's so grateful their property and belongings could help in her time of need.
"I'm just glad we were right there," he said.
It's unknown why Katie wandered away from home. She was taken to the hospital to be checked out.