GRANTS, N.M. — Search and rescue crews rescued a 69-year-old hiker over the weekend on Mount Taylor in western New Mexico.

Cibola Search and Rescue credited Tayo Basquiat – of Cibola SAR and Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council – and Tyler Mobraten – of Socorro SAR – with finding a missing 69-year-old hiker. The rescue happened Saturday at around 3 a.m.

The two responders found the hiker on a remote ridge. After assessing him and giving him medical attention at the scene, they navigated rugged terrain to a UTV where he was taken by ambulance and then flown to the hospital.

According to Cibola Search and Rescue, the hiker believed he wouldn’t survive the night and began writing messages to his family.

Cibola County Sheriff’s Department, Cibola County Fire and Emergency Services and Classic Air assisted this rescue.