Woman, 53, Found Alive 4 Days After She Disappeared During 'Spiritual' Colo. Hike Without a Phone
Gina Chase, 53, was part of a group that ventures on solo journeys into the Colorado woods, authorities said
San Miguel County Sheriff/Facebook
A photo of Gina Chase shared by the San Miguel County Sheriff's OfficeA 53-year-old Canadian woman was found alive and uninjured after she disappeared for four days in the southwestern Colorado backcountry, authorities said
Gina Chase, who fasted and went without a cellphone during a spiritual group hike, was found in the targeted search area on Aug. 17
The organization that runs the hikes said in a statement that it was “overjoyed” by the “wonderful news” about Chase being found alive
A woman who went missing for four days while hiking solo in the Colorado backcountry has been found alive, authorities said.
Gina Chase, 53, of Victoria, Canada, was located in the targeted search area on Saturday, Aug. 17, the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. Authorities noted that she was uninjured but medically evaluated.
Authorities earlier reported that Chase was last seen on Aug. 14 around 11 a.m. by the Lone Cone trailhead outside of Norwood. They added that Chase was part of an organized group that went on “solo journeys” into the woods from the trailhead.
Related: Body of 23-Year-Old Missing Hiker Found on Mills Glacier, Colo., 4 Days After Going Missing
Ms. Chase was part of a group of campers who, by design, set off alone into the backcountry without their cellphones and then [fasted] “maximize a spiritual experience with nature.” the sheriff's office said. "The 'Animas Valley Institute,' which operates out of Durango, runs the program."
Authorities added that the campers had a “buddy system” to make sure each camper returned to the campsite. A buddy of Chase arrived on Aug. 15 and discovered that Chase had not “checked in.” The buddy reported this to the camp guides, who then searched for Chase at the campsite. They determined that Chase may not have slept at the campsite the night before.
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Chase’s "daypack,” which carried an emergency blanket, a whistle, a power bar, and some water, also disappeared, said authorities.
Unable to find her, the camp guides contacted the sheriff’s office on August 15 around 2 p.m. Search efforts by the sheriff’s office and other agencies were conducted later that day as well as on Aug. 16 and 17.
“Obviously this is the outcome we were all hoping for and we couldn’t be happier for Ms. Chase and her family,” said San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters in the news update following the discovery of the missing hiker. “The ultimate success of this mission is a real testament to our responders’ tenacity, perseverance, and dedication.”
Related: Missing Hiker, 48, Found Alive After 2 Weeks in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge: ‘It Is Truly a Miracle’
Masters also advised that people should never venture into the backcountry by themselves. “You should always bring technology for communications,” he said. “Furthermore you should not starve yourself even if a ‘guide’ service suggests the opposite of these basic safety rules. Nature does not care about your safety and will kill you especially if are not properly prepared.”
The Animas Valley Institute of Durango oversees the program that Chase and the group were part of, said the sheriff’s office. Based in Durango, Colo., the organization, per its website, “offers a rich assortment of journeys into the mysteries of nature and psyche, including Soulcraft intensives, contemporary vision fasts, and training programs for nature-based soul guides.”
The organization added that it provides “multi-day, experiential explorations into wild landscapes and into the wilds of soul with the goal of discovering the meaning and destiny at the heart of each life.”
PEOPLE has reached out to the Animas Valley Institute for comment.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Aug. 19, the organization said it was “overjoyed” by the “wonderful news” about Chase being found alive.
“The Institute is immensely grateful to the team of professionals and volunteers who led the search,” Animas wrote. “Their commitment and dedication have been exemplary.”
“The safety of our participants remains our highest priority. We have been in direct contact with the participant’s family during this immensely difficult time and remain committed to supporting them over the coming days and weeks,” the organization added.
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