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Derry Twp. Family Safe After Getting Lost In Woods

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Aug 1, 2008 1:00 pm US/Eastern

Derry Twp. Family Safe After Getting Lost In Woods

DERRY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) ― Officials in Westmoreland County say a family who went missing Thursday evening when they went hiking in a wooded area are safe.

Last night, crews called off the search because of dangerous conditions and were set to resume this morning, but they now report that the family has been located and they are doing fine.

"This is what we always strive for, is to having a good outcome to a search detail," said Dan Stevens, of Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety. "They came out of the woods on their own and they have absolutely no injuries and they're in a good mood and had a good night's sleep, more than we can say for some of the responders here, but it's a happy ending."

Authorities say the ordeal started when Tom Perry, his wife Kathy, who is principal at Derry Area High School, and their twin 5-year-old daughters, Tara & Leah, went hiking in the Derry Ridge Game Lands near Twin Maples Road.

Officials say it is believed the family became stuck in a storm when they apparently lost their way back to their vehicle and did not have their GPS system.

Search crews said the Perrys made cell phone calls to a family member, Derry police as well as two calls to 911, the last of which was long enough to help trace their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, crews say the area is very tough to hike through.

"It's a heavily wooded area and you are going down hills and up hills and you could really get turned around fairly quick where they are at," said Stevens.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

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