Helicopter Locates Missing YouTube Survival Contestant Lost in Michigan Forest

Helicopter Locates Missing YouTube Survival Contestant Lost in Michigan Forest

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A dramatic rescue unfolded in Northern Michigan after a woman filming a YouTube survival show went missing overnight in the wilderness. Search crews, aided by a state police helicopter, found her nearly 18 hours later in a swampy stretch of the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

YouTube Video Survival Contest

The 36-year-old woman from California had been taking part in a YouTube outdoor survival contest on Friday, September 5, when she left the group’s base camp to look for water. When she didn’t return, the contest’s host launched a search but was unable to locate her. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office was contacted about 12 hours later, around 5 a.m. Saturday.

Story at a glance

  • Who: 36-year-old woman from California taking part in a YouTube survival contest.
  • What: Went missing while searching for water; found nearly 18 hours later.
  • Where: Pigeon River Country State Forest, Northern Michigan
  • When: Left base camp Friday evening during filming; found the following morning (~18 hours later).
  • Outcome: Spotted by a Michigan State Police helicopter; escorted out by ground teams; evaluated by EMS and reported safe.
  • Why it matters: Highlights risks of solo survival challenges, search-and-rescue coordination, and the impact of recent storm damage to the forest.
Sources: People and Otsego County Sheriff’s Office release.

How the Search Began

Rescuers combed the forest, which had been heavily damaged by a massive ice storm earlier this year. Around 10:40 a.m., a Michigan State Police helicopter crew spotted the woman waving for help from a swampy area. Ground teams reached her and escorted her out.

Safe After a Night in the Wilderness

She was evaluated by EMS and found to be safe after enduring cold rain and rough conditions for nearly 18 hours, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

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