• A Long Beach man was rescued after being trapped for over two days behind a waterfall.
• Ryan Wardwell was located using infrared technology and a drone by search teams.
• He suffered only minor injuries and dehydration after his rescue.
• The incident occurred at the challenging Seven Teacups Trail in Sequoia National Forest.
• Such waterfalls can pose significant risks to unprepared adventurers.

Search and rescue teams successfully rescued Ryan Wardwell, a 46-year-old man from Long Beach, who spent over two days trapped behind a waterfall at the challenging Seven Teacups Trail in the Sequoia National Forest. The rescue operation involved a helicopter and advanced technologies, including drones, to locate Wardwell, who was reported missing after he failed to return from his rappel on Sunday evening. His predicament was exacerbated by "the extreme hydraulics of the river" which dislodged him from his climbing gear, causing his entrapment, according to latimes, huffpost, and cbsnews.

Wardwell embarked on his journey on Sunday morning to rappel down the waterfall cascades but was reported missing after he did not return by nightfall. His search was complicated by rough terrain and the late hour, which necessitated a temporary halt until the following day when a specialized team utilized drones to pinpoint his location behind the waterfall. His timely rescue was coordinated by deputies who were lowered via helicopter, allowing them to bring him to safety, as detailed by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and reported in the media latimes, huffpost, and cbsnews.

After being rescued, Wardwell was treated for minor injuries and dehydration before being reunited with his family. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office reminded outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant and prepared when navigating whitewater areas, highlighting the potential dangers that the Seven Teacups Trail poses to unprepared adventurers, as echoed by the statements from latimes, huffpost, and cbsnews.