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Homemade AI Drone Software Locates People When Search Teams Fail

On September 6, 2023, Charlie Kelly informed his partner that he would not be returning home that night, causing some discontent. The 56-year-old hillwalker had departed from his residence in Tillicoultry, near Stirling, Scotland, before his partner, Emer Kennedy, left for work. His goal was to scale Creise, a 1,100-meter peak overlooking Glen Etive, a Highland valley recognized from the James Bond film Skyfall.

Despite the season, the weather was unusually mild, which led Kelly to consider climbing a second Munro, a term for Scottish mountains exceeding 3,000 feet. As a forensic psychologist for the Scottish Prisons Service, he had been steadily marking off the Munros in his time off. Kennedy recalled that he kept a book to record his progress. They were planning a holiday in two and a half weeks, marking this ascent as the last before winter.

Kennedy wasn’t particularly interested in hiking herself. The couple had initially bonded over a mutual affection for Celtic Football Club and their unique sense of humor. Kennedy admired Kelly’s vast knowledge of football, Robert the Bruce, and Doctor Who, while he appreciated that she enjoyed his jokes. He valued her support for his independent interests, telling her, “You let me be me,” the night before his hike.

When informed that Kelly would not descend the mountain before dark, Kennedy felt concerned but trusted in his capabilities. She described him as resourceful, referencing his training as a work negotiator for hostage situations. Confident in his preparations, which included extra food, water, and warm clothing, Kelly assured her there was no need to seek help.

Throughout Thursday at work, Kennedy checked her phone at every opportunity. Kelly had contacted her before dawn and sporadically sent cheerful messages when he had signal. At around 8 p.m., as the sun was setting, he notified her of a low phone battery but reassured her he could see the lights of the Glencoe Ski Centre, where he had parked his car, and expected to reach it in about half an hour. This was the last communication anyone received from Charlie Kelly.

Following Kelly’s disappearance, Glencoe Mountain Rescue initiated a comprehensive search involving sniffer dogs, quad bikes, helicopters, and drones with infrared and regular cameras. The operation included professionals from the Coastguard, Police Scotland, the Royal Air Force, and numerous volunteers from 10 Mountain Rescue teams. Up to 50 people were on the mountain at any time. Kelly’s backpack was discovered on September 9, but no further traces were found.

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