Stranded in a snowy California forest for six days, a woman survived by eating snow and yogurt.
Last Thursday, April 14, Justin Lonich, 48, and Sheena Gullet, 52, were driving on dirt roads on the way to their hometown Little Valley, California when their car got stuck in the snow in an isolated area in Lassen County. After spending the night in the car, they were awakened to find the car’s battery had died, NBC News reports.
When the two started trying to make their way to Highway 44, Gullet started to fall behind because the soles of her boots came off. After some time, Lonich eventually could no longer see Gullet through the heavy snowfall.
Lonich was then on his own for two days straight. He survived by continuing to walk and building campfires in the woods for himself during his journey. He finally reached Highway 44 on Sunday, April 17. He then got a ride to Susanville and told authorities about Gullet still being in the woods.
Lonich wasn’t too familiar with the area, and ground searches were conducted every day. But even a helicopter search was unsuccessful due to the “inclement weather.” But glory came on April 20 when a sheriff’s sergeant found the car.
“Immediately upon his arrival, Sheena came out of the vehicle. She was very emotional but physically okay,” said the sheriff’s office said, NBC News reports. Gullet was immediately taken to the Board Ranger Station where a medical professional looked her over. She told authorities that she fed herself one pack of yogurt from a six-pack each day and used snow for water.
The news outlet reports Gullet is now safe and sound in the comfort of her home.
