Missing Oregon couple found safe by Kootenai County search and rescue

An Oregon couple reported missing near Coeur d’Alene on Friday evening was found unharmed but stuck in the snow Saturday morning by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue team.

John Mann, 69, and Sylvia Mann, 72, were last known to be at the Mullan Trail Road exit from Interstate 90 east of Coeur d’Alene around 7 p.m. Friday. They were on their way to visit relatives and indicated their plan was to drive up South Blue Creek Road, according to the sheriff’s office. Their family called for help when they never arrived.

Deputies and search and rescue volunteers searched for the couple through the night. They were found stuck on an ice-covered driveway near Blue Creek Road and Newell Road just before 8:30 a.m.

The couple was well prepared and had blankets, food and water with them, the sheriff’s office said. They occasionally ran their SUV’s heater during the night to stay warm. They have since been reunited with their family.