[5]By Dept. of Fish and Wildlife [6]
ONTARIO, Ore.—Missing Idaho man Thomas Lynch, last seen on April 19, was found on April 27th about 8 a.m. by ODFW District Biologist Phil Milburn during a sage-grouse lek survey in southern Malheur County.
Milburn found Lynch along Jordan Craters Road/Birch Creek Ranch Road above the Owyhee River (northwest of Jordan Valley, Ore.). He assessed Lynch’s health by asking him some basic questions (name, birth date, age, hometown).
“I recognized him as soon as he told me his name,” said Milburn. “From my assessment he seemed fine, although physically and mentally exhausted.”
Lynch still had water but Milburn gave him food and let Lynch call his son from a satellite phone in the ODFW vehicle. Milburn then drove Lynch back to Nampa on his way back to Ontario.
Lynch is now at home with family and did not need medical attention, according to Sgt. Randall with the Nampa Police Department.
“I’m glad I could help and that Mr. Lynch is safely at home with his family,” Milburn added.