YouTube challenge contestant rescued from Michigan woods
Share and Follow


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A contestant in a YouTube outdoor survival challenge was rescued from a forest in northern Michigan after she went missing for nearly 18 hours in the wilderness, officials say.

The 36-year-old woman from California left the contest’s designated base camp in Pigeon River State Forest, northeast of Gaylord, around 5 p.m. Friday to search for water. But she did not return, so contest hosts began to search for her.

Twelve hours later, around 5 a.m. Saturday, they called 911. Deputies with the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police troopers, several other local law enforcement agencies and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources worked together to look for her in woods that were “still damaged from the ice storm” that devastated much of northern Michigan in late March, according to MSP.

Around 10:40 a.m., she was spotted in a swampy area by troopers on the Michigan State Police helicopter. Video shared by MSP shows the woman waving to the helicopter from a heavily wooded area.

“Definitely got her, we’re just trying to work out getting the camera on her real good and then locking in a spot for you guys to get out here, but if you see where the helicopter is, I’m basically right over top of her right now,” the pilot can be heard saying over the radio.

He guided ground crews, including an MSP K-9, to her. They escorted her to safety.

“The female was missing in the cold and rain for almost 18 hours,” the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a release.

Deputies said she walked out on her own and didn’t have serious injuries. The woman was not identified by police.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago celebrates 1st day of Kwanzaa with holiday events across city, including Malcolm X College, Bronzeville Children's Museum

Chicago Kicks Off Kwanzaa Festivities with Events at Malcolm X College and Bronzeville Children’s Museum

CHICAGO (WLS) — The city of Chicago kicked off Kwanzaa with a…
California migrant truckers suing state DMV over canceled commercial drivers licenses

California Migrant Truckers Challenge DMV: Legal Battle Over Revoked Commercial Licenses

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is currently embroiled in a…
Woman fatally stabbed in Dollar General parking lot by stranger

Tragic Incident: Woman Fatally Stabbed by Stranger in Dollar General Parking Lot

A tragic incident unfolded in Florida last month when a 36-year-old woman…
How teen Junko Furuta endured 40 days of abuse by four boys

Unveiling the Unthinkable: The Harrowing 40-Day Ordeal of Teen Junko Furuta

In the quiet suburbs of Tokyo during November 1988, 17-year-old Junko Furuta…
Kentucky State University shooting suspect charged with murder is parent of a student

Kentucky University Shooting Case: Grand Jury’s Decision Sparks Controversy

A grand jury has decided not to indict a father charged with…
Joe Rogan mocks President Trump ripping Biden and Obama in White House plaques

Joe Rogan Criticizes Trump for Comments on Biden and Obama in White House Plaques Discussion

In a recent podcast episode released on Thursday, Joe Rogan described the…
Fireworks and Shrimp Drops: Where to ring in the new year on the First Coast

Spectacular New Year’s Celebrations: Fireworks and Shrimp Drops on the First Coast

As 2026 approaches, communities across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are gearing…
Principal takes in foster teen and ends up changing both their lives

Heartwarming Journey: How One Principal’s Act of Kindness Transformed Her Life and a Foster Teen’s Future

Three years ago, a Michigan principal made a life-changing decision when he…