Rescuers located a family of three on August 8, three days after they became stranded in a Michigan forest while tubing on the Muskegon River. The group, identified as Jazman Hock, her cousin Sarah Vida, and Vida's 9-year-old son Kayden Kovalcik, were found by members of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a Michigan State Police K-9 unit.
Video footage captured the moment the rescuers waded through thick forest and called out to the stranded individuals before locating them. One rescuer was heard instructing the group to "Make some noise... Yell!" as they approached. Upon finding the trio, one rescuer expressed audible relief, stating "oh my God" multiple times.
According to Jazman's mother, Teresa Hock, the family had been water tubing on the Muskegon River when their rafts, described as pool-only inflatables, broke apart. This led to them becoming stranded in the nearby woods. Kayden Kovalcik, the 9-year-old, told rescuers that they had been on the river for approximately four hours before getting lost.
While the family had packed protein bars and water, they reportedly gave all the food to Kovalcik. The two women survived by eating flowers, bark, and ants. One of the women was described as having cuts and being unable to walk easily, but stated she was "forcing myself" to move.
The Michigan State Police confirmed the safe recovery of Hock, Vida, and Kovalcik. In a post on X, the authorities expressed gratitude for the efforts of numerous law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, search and rescue teams, and volunteers who participated in the search. The three individuals were found approximately three-quarters of a mile northeast of the Mill Iron Rd Boat Launch at 4:36 p.m. The unified command established by multiple agencies was credited for sharing resources and working collaboratively toward the common goal of locating the family.