Lost family found in Shawnee National Forest

ALTO PASS, Ill. -- A family that was lost on a trail in the Shawnee National Forest on Friday was found less than two hours after the father contacted authorities with his cellphone.

Anthony Dipalo called the Union County 911 saying that he, his wife and two children were lost on a trail near Bald Knob Cross and the Hutchins Creek trail near Alto Pass in the Shawnee National Forest, according to a news release from the Illinois State Police.

The Union County Sheriff's Office contacted the Illinois State Police at 5:33 p.m. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, state police and Union County sheriff's deputies responded and called in an air search.

Dipalo kept in contact with authorities during the search via cellphone and positioned himself on a high spot in order to maintain contact with rescuers. He was instructed to stay where he was and direct the airplane when it was overhead.

At 7 p.m., the department of natural resources reported that the family had been contacted and were being escorted to their vehicle by air rescue personnel.

Pertinent address:

Alto Pass, IL