A mother, her nine-year-old son, and her cousin were found alive on Friday after disappearing for three days during a river tubing trip on Michigan's Muskegon River. Sarah Vida, 30, Kayden Kovalcik, and Jasmin Hock, 28, were reported missing on Wednesday after they failed to return home from their excursion on Tuesday.
The trio was discovered by Michigan State Police K9s and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, several miles downstream from where Vida parked her vehicle. They had embarked on their tubing trip near the Maple Island Boat Launch in Grant, Michigan.
A search was initiated on Wednesday after a family member found Vida's car with a broken window. Concerns grew as the family was unable to contact the missing individuals. The search efforts involved water and air reconnaissance.
On Thursday evening, two inner tubes believed to belong to the missing individuals were found. The following day, DNR officials noticed small, child-sized footprints in the grass near a pile of logs along the riverbank. These tracks led rescuers deep into the wilderness, where they ultimately found the missing tubers.
Lt. Pat Agema of the Michigan State Police expressed relief at the successful outcome of the 72-hour search. "I'm feeling elated, and I'm feeling elated for the family as well," Agema stated. "It was what a relief to give them good news, and that really really made me feel good."
The three survivors were transported to a hospital for evaluation. Officials reported they were conscious but severely dehydrated and exhausted after spending approximately 72 hours exposed to the elements. They are expected to make full recoveries from their "minor to moderate injuries," according to Brent Kovalcik, Kayden's father. He also extended gratitude to all those who participated in the search.
Family members had expressed profound fear and distress during the period of disappearance. Margie Christie, a local acquaintance, noted that Hock has epilepsy and was without her necessary medication. After the rescue, Christie shared the relief of the family, stating that the survivors had sustained numerous cuts and were unable to walk initially but were receiving treatment.