Ryan Wardwell, 46, from Long Beach, got trapped in a cave behind a waterfall while canyoneering in Giant Sequoia National Monument. With his friends deciding the technical terrain was too challenging, they left him behind. Wardwell chose to continue alone, despite their warnings. His friends notified authorities when he failed to return, leading to a search involving aircraft. Rescuers later discovered his rappel ropes near a whirlpool, aiding his recovery after three days.
Wardwell's friends placed a note on his car stating that, if the car was still parked there on Monday, someone should call 911.
Rescue units with the sheriff's office conducted an extensive search of the area via aircraft, leading them to Wardwell's rope hanging behind a waterfall.
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