OTSEGO COUNTY — A California woman competing in a YouTube outdoor survival contest was rescued Saturday morning after spending nearly 18 hours lost in the Pigeon River State Forest, according to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office.
Per a Sept. 6 news release, Deputies said the 36-year-old contestant left the designated base camp in Charlton Township around 5 p.m. Friday to search for water but did not return.
When the contest hosts were unable to locate her, they contacted 911 around 5 a.m. Saturday.
A coordinated search began with assistance from multiple agencies, including Michigan State Police troopers, canine units and the MSP Aviation Unit. At about 10:40 a.m., a state police helicopter spotted the woman deep in a swampy area and guided ground crews to her location.
Authorities said she was able to walk out of the woods under her own power. She was evaluated by EMS and released without serious injuries, despite enduring cold and rainy conditions overnight.
The sheriff’s office credited the successful rescue to the combined efforts of local fire departments, EMS, state police and the Department of Natural Resources, with special thanks given to the MSP Aviation Unit.