80-year-old Flowery Branch man rescued from White Co. hiking trail

CLEVELAND - An 80-year-old Flowery Branch man was rescued Tuesday after he became lost while hiking down from the top of Yonah Mountain in White County. 

Ana Newberry White County Fire Department spokeswoman said Erwin Gandy was in pretty good shape, considering his age. 

Gandy reportedly hiked to the top of the mountain and was on his way back  when, according to Newberry, he veered off onto a side trail and got lost.  Gandy called 911 around 3:30 Tuesday afternooon and a  fire department search crew was dispatched.  

Newberry said eleven people took part in the rescue efforts and Gandy was  escorted out of the woods just before dark.   Newberry said Gandy had no health problems and was wearing proper clothing for the environment he was in.  

According to Newberry, Gandy told his rescuers that he heard on the radio that "the northeast Georgia mountains are beautiful, to go check it out," and he did just that.