On Mother's Day weekend 2025, four friends set out to climb North Early Winters Spire in Washington's North Cascades, but a single rusted piton anchor failed during their descent, sending all four climbers plummeting 500 to 700 feet down the mountain. Three men died instantly from the fall, while 38-year-old Anton Tselykh miraculously survived despite suffering a cracked skull, broken ribs, internal bleeding, and head trauma. What followed was one of the most remarkable self-rescues in climbing history—and a mystery that even the U.S. Forest Service investigation couldn't explain: why did one man survive when three others didn't?

00:00 Introduction to Case Knives

00:25 Escape Ads with Patreon

00:59 Welcome to Crux True Survival Stories

01:34 Anton Tselykh's Nightmare Begins

03:15 The North Cascades: A Treacherous Terrain

05:38 Meet the Climbing Team

08:22 The Climb and the Descent

14:11 The Fatal Decision

19:01 The Climbers' Final Descent

20:03 The Fall and Its Immediate Aftermath

22:38 Anton’s Struggle for Survival

25:07 The Rescue and Recovery Efforts

30:00 The Investigation and Findings

33:45 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

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Okanogan County Sheriff's Office - Official Statements

Methow Valley News - "Surviving climber shares harrowing account of fall"

Spokesman-Review - "Report offers details on North Cascades climbing accident"

CBS News - "Climber who survived fall that killed 3 friends was unconscious for hours, awoke in dark before seeking help"

CBS News - "Dramatic details emerge after climber survives 400-foot fall that killed 3 friends in Washington state"

Seattle Times/Spokesman-Review - "What we know about the North Cascades climbing accident that killed three"

KOMO News - "Seattle climber recounts survival after 400-foot fall in North Cascades accident"

NCW Life - "Report: Piton failure sent mountaineers to their deaths"

Your Source One - "Report: Missteps Caused Fatal Climb Fall in Okanogan County"

KXLY News - "Report details what went wrong in accident that killed three climbers in the Washington Cascades"

Fluke Corporation - Official Statement on Vishnu Irigireddy

Facebook/GoFundMe - Olga Martynenko's Statements

Okanogan County Search and Rescue (OCSAR)

Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team

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In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh chats with Tony Peniche, one of the founders of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games. They discuss the intense challenges of wilderness survival, the adrenaline-filled competition, and exciting updates about expanding the games nationally. Tony shares insights from his recent trip to New Mexico and plans to team up with Scouting America for a broader rollout. Kaycee also reflects on her own experiences in the competition, including the need for bushcraft skills, the camaraderie built through shared challenges, and tips for future contestants.

00:10 Overview of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games

01:18 Tony Peniche's Exciting News

04:28 Challenges and Experiences in the Survival Games

05:55 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

10:23 Future Plans and Opportunities

23:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

https://www.pnwsurvivalgames.com/

Instagram: @pnwsurvivalgames

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**Content Warning: This story contains graphic details about a fatal cave accident involving prolonged entrapment in a confined space. It includes descriptions of claustrophobic conditions, failed rescue attempts, and a tragic death. The content may be particularly distressing for those sensitive to themes of confinement or helplessness.

In this segment of the Crux podcast called Disaster Strikes, hosts Kaycee Macintosh and Julie Henningsen recount the tragic story of John Edward Jones and the Nutty Putty Cave incident. Unlike their regular episodes that focus on survival stories, this biweekly segment delves into outdoor adventures that ended in disaster, aiming to educate listeners on how quickly things can go wrong in the wilderness. The episode recounts John Jones' fatal caving expedition in November 2009, the rescue efforts, and the series of small but fatal decisions that led to his entrapment and death. The story serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in cave exploration and the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols.

00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes

00:44 The Nutty Putty Cave Tragedy

01:37 John Edward Jones: A Life of Promise

03:03 The Fateful Decision

04:13 Exploring Nutty Putty Cave

07:16 The Desperate Rescue Effort

12:56 The Tragic Outcome

21:44 Aftermath and Legacy

27:38 Lessons Learned

29:19 Conclusion and Sign-Off

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Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on the Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the harrowing tale of Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve of Western Australia. After a vehicle rollover left her with a severe head injury, Carolina made the decision that every survival expert warns against—she left her vehicle. What followed was a nearly two-week ordeal through 740,000 acres of unforgiving outback, enduring freezing temperatures that dropped below 3°C, navigating prickly terrain barefoot, and surviving on nothing but rainwater from puddles. Against impossible odds, Carolina kept walking even after convincing herself she would never be found. Her incredible rescue by a local farmer driving down a rarely-used road is a testament to resilience, the will to survive, and the power of being in the right place at the right time. This episode explores the critical decisions that can mean life or death in the wilderness and reminds us why staying with your vehicle could save your life.

00:25 Setting the Scene: Carolina's Journey Begins

01:17 The Nightmare Unfolds: Carolina's Accident

01:46 Survival Against the Odds: Carolina's Struggle

03:46 The Harsh Realities of the Australian Outback

07:10 The Search Begins: Tracking Carolina's Movements

15:46 The Rescue: A Miraculous Encounter

19:14 Aftermath and Reflection: Carolina's Statement

20:41 Survival Instincts and Key Factors

21:41 The Critical Decision: Staying with the Vehicle

22:52 Preparation for the Australian Outback

23:13 Vehicle Essentials and Navigation

26:38 Water, Food, and Shelter

28:14 Legal and Cultural Considerations

31:43 The Psychological Component of Survival

32:30 Survival Stories from the Outback

37:07 The Miracle of Rescue

39:53 Final Thoughts and Lessons

43:09 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement

RESOURCES

"Carolina Wilga, German woman who went missing in Australia's remote Outback, found alive after 12 days" - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carolina-wilga-german-backpacker-found-australia-missing-12-days-outback/ Core facts about the incident timeline, location details, search operations, and initial rescue information. Includes quotes from Inspector Martin Glynn.

"Carolina Wilga's outback rescuer describes her survival after 12 days in Western Australia as 'miracle'" - RNZ News https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/566750/carolina-wilga-s-outback-rescuer-describes-her-survival-after-12-days-in-western-australia-as-miracle Tania Henley's firsthand account of finding Carolina, police statements about her condition, and details about survival methods (drinking from puddles, sheltering in cave).

"Carolina Wilga releases statement after being found alive in WA's outback" - RNZ News https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/566923/carolina-wilga-releases-statement-after-being-found-alive-in-wa-s-outback Carolina's first-person account of the crash, head injury, and explanation for leaving the vehicle. Her complete statement from hospital.

"German backpacker Carolina Wilga thanks Australians for 'courage, helpfulness, and warmth'" - SBS News https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/german-backpacker-carolina-wilga-thanks-australians-for-courage-helpfulness-and-warmth/uw1sqncjc Carolina's full gratitude statement from hospital, details about the search operations, and community response.

"Carolina Wilga survived 12 days in the Australian outback. She just told us how." - Mamamia https://www.mamamia.com.au/carolina-missing-backpacker-australia/ Additional context about Carolina's decision-making, Tania Henley interview, and expert commentary on survival.

"German backpacker Carolina Wilga survives 12 days lost in WA outback" - NZ Herald https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/german-backpacker-carolina-wilga-survives-12-days-lost-in-wa-outback/OB2WNNTJE5GP5JML5GW3DB6YJI/ Details about van location (35km off-track), walking distance (20km from nearest track), search operations, and friend Denise Kullick's account.

"Backpacker Found Alive After Nearly 2 Weeks Missing in Australian Outback" - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/backpacker-found-alive-after-nearly-2-weeks-missing-australian-outback-2098187 Information about Carolina's 2-year travel history in Australia, work on mine sites, expert quotes about hostile environment from Inspector Glynn.

"German tourist found alive 12 days after she was lost in the Australian Outback" - CNN https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/11/australia/missing-german-tourist-outback-intl Temperature data (2.6°C/36.7°F), reserve size (300,000 hectares), recovery boards details, and timeline verification.

"Police say aircraft are best chance of finding tourist lost in Australian Outback" - ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/police-search-aircraft-best-chance-finding-german-tourist-123668195 Mother Katja Will's appeals, information about Carolina's hometown (Castrop-Rauxel), and Western Australia Premier Roger Cook's statements.

"Carolina Wilga ist zurück in Castrop-Rauxel" - Ruhr Nachrichten (German) https://www.ruhrnachrichten.de/castrop-rauxel/zurueck-in-der-heimat-carolina-wilga-nach-ueberlebenskampf-im-outback-in-castrop-rauxel-angekommen-w1056958-2001740732/ Carolina's return to Germany on July 19, 2025, medical accompaniment on flight, treatment at Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, detail about losing approximately 12 kilograms.

"German backpacker's survival story unfolds after 12 days in the outback" - YourLifeChoices https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/travel/german-backpackers-survival-story-unfolds-after-12-days-in-the-outback/ Jed Currey (Explore WA 4WD Adventures) expert commentary on outback preparedness and safety advice for international travelers.

"Wilderness Survival Lessons from the Recovery of Carolina Wilga" - Modern Warrior Project https://modernwarriorproject.com/wilderness-survival-lessons-carolina-wilga/ Technical survival analysis, community role in rescue, expert perspective from Shane Blevins (20-year Army Special Operations veteran), STOP and PLAN survival frameworks.

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing 20-hour survival and rescue ordeal of 65-year-old Lithuanian adventurer Valdas Bieliauskas in the wilderness of Tasmania. After a tragic fall left Valdas' leg wedged between two boulders in freezing rapids, his friends and a dedicated Australian rescue team faced impossible decisions and extraordinary challenges. The rescue's climax involved an underwater amputation performed with minimal resources, saving Valdas' life. This story underscores human resilience, the capabilities of modern emergency medicine, and the extraordinary courage of wilderness rescue professionals.

01:32 The Incident on the Franklin River

04:03 The Rescue Operation Begins

07:04 The Struggle to Free Valdas

16:24 Critical Decisions and Final Attempts

21:13 A Desperate Situation

21:43 The Arrival of Dr. Kippax

22:57 The Underwater Amputation

26:39 A Race Against Time

29:15 The Miracle of Hypothermia

30:42 A Remarkable Recovery

34:14 Reflections on Risk and Rescue

38:52 Valdas' Future Plans

41:44 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

42:57 Closing Remarks

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Welcome back to Disaster Strikes! In this episode of The Crux podcast's biweekly segment, Disaster Strikes, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the heartbreaking tale of 66-year-old Geraldine Largay, a retired Air Force nurse, who tragically lost her life on the Appalachian Trail in 2013. Despite Jerry's extensive hiking experience, her poor sense of direction led to her getting lost just two miles off the trail. The ensuing search operation became one of the largest in Maine's history. Gerry survived alone for 26 days, documenting her struggle in a journal. Her final entries became poignant messages to her family. Gerry's story has since prompted improved safety and navigation education within the hiking community. This episode examines how her ordeal underscores the thin line between adventure and tragedy while highlighting the importance of preparedness and the enduring power of love.

01:02 The Story of Geraldine Largay Begins

02:19 Jerry's Journey on the Appalachian Trail

04:13 The Tragic Turn

11:58 The Search Efforts

14:02 Jerry's Final Days

20:13 Lessons Learned and Legacy

28:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they share the remarkable story of Zach DeMoss, a 24-year-old motorcyclist whose perfect afternoon ride along Idaho's Highway 12 turned into a desperate fight for survival.

Separated from his motorcycle, facing catastrophic injuries, and trapped in one of the most isolated stretches of backcountry in the lower 48, Zach had to make an impossible choice: give in to overwhelming pain and despair, or find a way to survive against impossible odds.

This gripping episode explores the realities of wilderness trauma, the psychology of survival, and the thin line between life and death when you're truly alone. It's a story about resilience, determination, and why some people refuse to give up—even when giving up seems like the only option.

00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

00:30 A Ride Through Idaho's Wilderness

01:04 The Crash: A Split-Second Decision

01:29 Zachary DeMoss: The Fight for Survival Begins

02:22 The Dangerous Beauty of Highway 12

07:03 The Physics of a Motorcycle Crash

13:52 Freddy the Hero Dog

15:15 Zach's Desperate Measures for Survival

17:40 The Search Efforts Begin

19:49 The Agonizing Waiting Game

21:57 The Agonizing Wait

23:09 The Search Begins

24:32 The Wilderness Challenge

25:31 Scaling Back the Search

25:52 A Friend's Determination

27:17 The Miraculous Discovery

30:19 The Rescue Operation

31:47 Zach's Recovery

35:44 Lessons Learned

38:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Primary Sources

Biker survives in Idaho wilderness for five days by drinking creek water after crash - CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/24/us/zachary-demoss-found-idaho/index.html Detailed account of DeMoss's survival, rescue by Greg Common, and use of leather jacket for water collection

A month lost in the North Cascades without food or shelter: Hiker details improbable rescue - Cascadia Daily https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2024/sep/19/a-month-lost-in-the-north-cascades-without-food-or-shelter-hiker-details-improbable-rescue/ Background information on wilderness survival and search operations

Montana man survives in Idaho wilderness for five days after motorcycle crash - NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/injured-montana-man-survives-creek-water-5-days-motorcycle-crash-mount-rcna167935 Details on search efforts and DeMoss's survival methods

Missing Missoula area motorcyclist found alive in Idaho - KPAX https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/search-continues-for-missoula-area-motorcyclist-reported-missing-in-idaho Timeline of official search operations and rescue coordination

Injured Montana man survives on creek water for 5 days after motorcycle crash on mountain - NBC Montana https://www.nbcmontana.com/news/local/injured-montana-man-survives-on-creek-water-for-5-days-after-motorcycle-crash-on-mountain Information on DeMoss's injuries and mother's statements

Montana motorcyclist missing for 5 days swerved to miss a deer - Cowboy State Daily https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/08/19/montana-motorcyclist-missing-for-5-days-swerved-to-miss-a-deer/ Details about riding companions' search efforts and decisions

Biker survives in Idaho wilderness for five days by drinking creek water after crash - Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/biker-survives-idaho-wilderness-five-194310043.html Greg Common's search efforts and discovery details

Missing Missoula biker found alive in Idaho - Montana Right Now https://www.montanarightnow.com/missoula/missoula-county-sheriff-looking-for-missing-man-last-contacted-in-kooskia-idaho-on-sunday/article_190f2978-5996-11ef-903d-8bbba8c64081.html Official law enforcement response and search coordination

Motorcyclist Zachary Demoss found alive after five days missing - Clearwater Tribune https://www.clearwatertribune.com/news/community_news/motorcyclist-zachary-demoss-found-alive-after-five-days-missing/article_d9b7adec-5fe7-11ef-83ca-9ffd42fd7f2e.html Details on crash location and rescue timeline

Additional Resources

Idaho County Sheriff's Office - Official statements and press releases regarding search operations

U.S. Border Patrol - Search and rescue coordination information

Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT - Medical treatment facility

Geographic and Route Information

Clearwater-Lochsa Scenic Byway (Highway 12) - Route description and characteristics Idaho Department of Transportation - Highway safety information

Wilderness Medicine Context

Wilderness First Aid and medical trauma information provided by Julie Henningsen, Headwaters Field Medicine

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories podcast, host Julie Henningsen interviews Sheryl Ramstad, a burn survivor, former criminal trial attorney, and Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections, who shares her harrowing story of surviving an airplane crash. Sheryl details the events leading up to the crash, the critical decisions she made during the incident, and her miraculous survival despite extensive injuries. She recounts her recovery process, her mother's unwavering support, and the challenges of living with severe burns. Sheryl also talks about her remarkable life post-recovery, including running marathons, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and transitioning to a career in nursing to help other burn survivors. This episode highlights Sheryl's resilience, her focus on service, and her drive to turn adversity into opportunities for growth and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:19 Introducing Sheryl Ramstad

01:56 Sheryl's Life Before the Crash

02:50 The Plane Crash Incident

05:05 Immediate Aftermath and Rescue

06:23 Survival and Recovery in the Burn Unit

13:09 Rehabilitation and Setting New Goals

18:47 Training for a Marathon

22:22 Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

27:31 A New Career Path: From Judge to Nurse

30:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Nursing

34:11 The Harsh Realities of Burn Treatment

41:13 A Second Chance at Life

47:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References:

https://www.sherylramstadauthor.com/

Sheryl’s book, Living Life Full Throttle; Surviving, Serving and Summiting, is available on Amazon.com

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Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the harrowing ordeal of Andrew Barber. On July 28, 2025, while searching for his missing dog in the remote Cariboo region of British Columbia, Andrew's tire blows out, leaving him stranded in the wilderness. With no cell service and miles from help, Andrew faces a brutal nine-day survival fight against extreme heat, contaminated water, and treacherous terrain. Discover how Andrew's quick thinking, resourcefulness, and sheer will to survive led to his miraculous rescue just in time, and learn important lessons about wilderness survival, resilience, and preparedness.

00:30 Setting the Scene: A Remote Wilderness Search

02:22 Andrew Barber's Ordeal Begins

04:04 The Decision to Leave the Truck

06:51 Survival Tactics and Challenges

25:21 The Search and Rescue Effort

31:48 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

37:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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References

Primary News Sources - Andrew Barber Case:

Geographic and Regional Information:

Weather and Climate Data:

Wilderness Medicine and Water Safety:

Search and Rescue Operations:

Comparative Case - Ryan Davenport:

Additional Context:

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In this episode of 'The Crux: True Survival Stories,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the astonishing tale of Vesna Vulović, a Serbian flight attendant who miraculously survived a fall from over 33,000 feet without a parachute. The episode explores Vesna's early life, the fateful flight in 1972, and the extraordinary series of events that led to her survival. It also discusses the psychological and political aftermath of her experience. With detailed storytelling and insightful commentary, this episode celebrates Vesna's incredible resilience and the unyielding human spirit.

00:00 Introduction

01:11 Introducing Vesna's Story

02:09 Vesna's Early Life and Aspirations

06:26 The Fateful Flight

16:10 Miraculous Survival and Rescue

24:27 Life After the Crash

30:36 Legacy and Final Years

36:45 Conclusion

References:

1.     "JAT Flight 367" - Wikipedia. Comprehensive details about the flight, crash investigation, and official findings.

2.     "Vesna Vulović" - Wikipedia. Biographical information, personal life, and political activism.

3.     "How Vesna Vulović survived the highest fall ever with no parachute" - Guinness World Records (April 2022). Official record details and survival analysis.

4.     "JAT Flight 367, A Cabin Crew Perspective: The Woman Who Fell To Earth" - Simple Flying (January 2023). Aviation industry perspective on the crash.

5.     "The Miraculous Survival Story of Vesna Vulović" - Bygonely (February 2024). Detailed biographical account and historical context.

6.     "Life After Death – Vesna Vulovic: Survivor's Guilt" - Europe Between East And West (May 2019). Analysis of psychological impact and later life struggles.

7.     "Remembering Vesna Vulović" - CBC Radio (December 2016). Interview excerpts and obituary coverage.

8.     "THE SERBIAN WOMAN WHO DEFEATED DEATH" - Serbian Times (February 2025). Cultural perspective and legacy in Serbia.

9.     Various aviation safety reports and Czech Civil Aviation Authority findings regarding the bombing investigation and crash analysis.

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