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Hiker Rescues and Fatalities

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    • OMO, let us know what you think of this book.

      The Chris Sylvia case is the one I think most likely to be something sinister.
      On my hike through that section I decided that 'Mike's Place' just wasn't my scene (drugs and they just wanted the cute young things to stay anyway). I moved on and camped next to a dirt track just a little bit north. I had an uncomfortable feeling all night, and random cars driving on that dirt track in the middle of the night stopping, turning off their lights and just sitting there in the desert did not help that feeling. Luckily, I was camped behind some brush, but I was still feeling a little exposed. I found out later that this was near where Chris Sylvia's pack was found. I do believe he ran into someone there who did him harm.

      The disappearance of the Irish guy is a sad story too. He may have been lost somewhere up there on San Jacinto, but I have heard of enough disappearances of other people around Idyllwild (non-hikers) to make me wonder if there is a connection to them all.

      Of the three PCT hiker disappearances, I think the Kris Fowler case is the one most likely to have been a more natural event (lost in the snow). His family has been tireless in trying to find him (and helping other hikers). I hope for their sake they find his remains someday.
      “Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
      the saddest are these, 'It might have been.”

      John Greenleaf Whittier

    • New

      Helicopter rides ain't cheap.

      I did not know Garman offered 'rescue insurance.' Seems pretty risky on their end since so many Yahoos think pushing that button calls a concierge service. I am pretty sure they will cover expenses in Dixie's case. They would be foolish not to with all her followers.
      “Of all sad words of tongue or pen,
      the saddest are these, 'It might have been.”

      John Greenleaf Whittier

    • New

      She set up a GoFundME page for medical expenses. She said she got more $ than she asked for, but it worked out as her expenses were more than she estimated.

      So being curious...

      She asked for $12,000 and got $15,743.

      She had started a health insurance policy that became effective 4 days after the the resucue so no help there,

      The policy from Garmin covered $50,000. She increased that to $100,000 in case she ever needs it again.

      Assuming the policy from Garmin comes thru she should end up pretty close to breaking even financially with the GoFundMe money. Right now she a few dollars ahead.

      This follow up video was posted a month ago. Maybe theres a follow up to the follow up?

      Oh, and to the disppointment of half of her followers...she's married now. :)
      2,000 miler

      The post was edited 1 time, last by max.patch ().

    • New

      I'm a bit lost. Well, I didn't know Garmin offered SAR insurance. I just got on the Garmin site but they only show two plans. SAR100 covers up to $100,000. Their other plan is "high risk" and covers "other high risk activities", which I've not researched includes WHAT (Sky diving?, hurt at 28,500 feet on Everest?). So was her $50,000 plan an older plan grandfathered in and no longer offered?


      Found my answer in their FAQ's. $50,000 was an older policy, not sold now.

      Found Climbing above 5000 M is High Risk (HR), so is sky diving, base jumping, Free Climbing, all sorts of stuff. Hiking is not listed as HR.

      $39.99 a year. Is that a fair price? Seems very reasonable.
      Pirating – Corporate Takeover without the paperwork

      The post was edited 1 time, last by rhjanes ().

    • New

      She rounded in her video. There is a copy of the bill on her GoFundMe page. It was actually "only" $59,973. :)

      Maybe a $50,000 policy doesn't cut it any more because of inflation. Facing an unexpected $10,000 balance due after insurance due immediately would be a stretch for many.
      2,000 miler

    • New

      LIhikers wrote:

      I know that helicopters, and their operation, are expensive but $ 60,000 is crazy. That's what happens when there's no competion and when the 'customers' seemingly don't have a choice.
      I suspect this is a Medical Evac helicopter, plus a few paramedics on the ground, plus an ER nurse on the ride, plus.......
      Pirating – Corporate Takeover without the paperwork

    • New

      rhjanes wrote:

      I'm a bit lost. Well, I didn't know Garmin offered SAR insurance. I just got on the Garmin site but they only show two plans. SAR100 covers up to $100,000. Their other plan is "high risk" and covers "other high risk activities", which I've not researched includes WHAT (Sky diving?, hurt at 28,500 feet on Everest?). So was her $50,000 plan an older plan grandfathered in and no longer offered?
      Timely, as I just received an invoice for the next year of SAR 50 coverage through Garmin. The policy used to be offered by another company but Garmin picked it up a few years ago. $29.95 per year for up to $50,000 for ONE claim. That's the definition of cheap insurance if I need backcountry rescue. Maybe the SAR 50 is an older plan. ?(
      Trudgin' along the AT since 2003. Completed Sections: Springer Mountain to Clingmans Dome and Max Patch NC to Gorham NH

      "The days I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations...those are pretty good days." Ray Wylie Hubbard