Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Nordhoff Ridge and Pratt Trail, Ventura County, Ca.
Date & Time: 12-17-2008 / 6:15 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Search And Rescue, Aviation Unit.
Victims: Kevin Henne Age: 22 yrs City of residence: Oak View
Allen Thrift Age: 22 yrs City of residence: Ojai

At approximately 6:15 p.m., on 12/17/2008, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department
received a report of two overdue mountain bikers. The reporting party, who is a friend of the
victims, said he was in Rose Valley where he was supposed to pick up the victims but the
victims were not at the pick up location. He called Henne on his cellular phone and learned
Henne and Thrift were lost somewhere on Nordhoff Ridge in the area of the Pratt Trail. Henne
also said they did not have any flashlights, food, or cold weather clothing. Due to the cold
weather and the time of day, the reporting party called the Sheriff’s Department to report the
victims as overdue.

Sr. Dep. Guilin, from the Ojai Sub-Station, was dispatched to the call and met with the reporting
party in the area of Hwy 33 and Rose Valley Road. After contacting the reporting party, Sr. Dep.
Guilin and the reporting party attempted to access Nordhoff Ridge via a fire break in Rose
Valley. Access was impossible due to muddy ground conditions and snow.

At approximately 7:15 p.m. the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team
was activated and responded to assist. Ground teams were deployed from Ojai, Upper Ojai, and
Rose Valley. A Search and Rescue supervisor spoke with the victims over the cellular telephone
and learned they were very cold and exhausted. Fearing the victims may become hypothermic, a
Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue helicopter was dispatched.

The Sheriff’s Air Unit was contacted and a rescue helicopter was dispatched, which included an
onboard Flight Medic. The helicopter arrived on scene at approximately 9:35 p.m. and located
the victims, at approximately 9:37 p.m., with the use of night vision goggles. The helicopter
landed and rescued the victims. The victims did not require medical attention and were flown to
Rose Valley were they were re-united with the reporting party.

With the winter months upon us, please remember a few safety tips if you are going to be out in
the backcountry:

• Always check the weather reports for the areas you plan to visit.
• Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle.
• Keep warm clothing with you at all times.
• Bring a fully charged cellular phone on your outings.
• Have some food and water in a small back pack.
• If you are going to be away from you vehicle, take a flashlight.
• Always be prepared.