On May 24, 2025, Kel Morris, a 61-year-old man from Seward, Alaska, survived a harrowing incident where he was trapped under a 700-pound boulder after a fall while hiking. His wife, Joe Loop, a retired trooper, played a crucial role in his rescue by keeping his head above water while they awaited help. After attempting to free him for 30 minutes, Loop managed to call 911 and provide GPS coordinates.
A nearby sled dog tourism company, hearing the distress call, dispatched a helicopter for assistance. When rescuers arrived, they used two airbags and the strength of seven men to lift the boulder and free Morris. He suffered only minor injuries and spent two nights in the hospital for observation.
Reflecting on the incident, Morris acknowledged his luck and vowed to stick to safer trails in the future, recognizing it as a wake-up call. The quick actions of first responders and the helicopter’s timely intervention were pivotal in ensuring his survival.
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