No Way Out: How an Injured Motorcyclist Survived the Idaho Wilderness | E188

No Way Out: How an Injured Motorcyclist Survived the Idaho Wilderness | E188

Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they share the remarkable story of Zach DeMoss, a 24-year-old motorcyclist whose perfect afternoon ride along Idaho's Highway 12 turned into a desperate fight for survival.

In August 2024, a split-second decision to avoid a deer sent Zach airborne—launching him 40 feet through the air into the remote Idaho wilderness. What happened next would test the absolute limits of human endurance and willpower.

Separated from his motorcycle, facing catastrophic injuries, and trapped in one of the most isolated stretches of backcountry in the lower 48, Zach had to make an impossible choice: give in to overwhelming pain and despair, or find a way to survive against impossible odds.

This gripping episode explores the realities of wilderness trauma, the psychology of survival, and the thin line between life and death when you're truly alone. It's a story about resilience, determination, and why some people refuse to give up—even when giving up seems like the only option.

00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

00:30 A Ride Through Idaho's Wilderness

01:04 The Crash: A Split-Second Decision

01:29 Zachary DeMoss: The Fight for Survival Begins

02:22 The Dangerous Beauty of Highway 12

07:03 The Physics of a Motorcycle Crash

13:52 Freddy the Hero Dog

15:15 Zach's Desperate Measures for Survival

17:40 The Search Efforts Begin

19:49 The Agonizing Waiting Game

21:57 The Agonizing Wait

23:09 The Search Begins

24:32 The Wilderness Challenge

25:31 Scaling Back the Search

25:52 A Friend's Determination

27:17 The Miraculous Discovery

30:19 The Rescue Operation

31:47 Zach's Recovery

35:44 Lessons Learned

38:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Primary Sources

Biker survives in Idaho wilderness for five days by drinking creek water after crash - CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/24/us/zachary-demoss-found-idaho/index.html Detailed account of DeMoss's survival, rescue by Greg Common, and use of leather jacket for water collection

A month lost in the North Cascades without food or shelter: Hiker details improbable rescue - Cascadia Daily https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2024/sep/19/a-month-lost-in-the-north-cascades-without-food-or-shelter-hiker-details-improbable-rescue/ Background information on wilderness survival and search operations

Montana man survives in Idaho wilderness for five days after motorcycle crash - NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/injured-montana-man-survives-creek-water-5-days-motorcycle-crash-mount-rcna167935 Details on search efforts and DeMoss's survival methods

Missing Missoula area motorcyclist found alive in Idaho - KPAX https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/search-continues-for-missoula-area-motorcyclist-reported-missing-in-idaho Timeline of official search operations and rescue coordination

Injured Montana man survives on creek water for 5 days after motorcycle crash on mountain - NBC Montana https://www.nbcmontana.com/news/local/injured-montana-man-survives-on-creek-water-for-5-days-after-motorcycle-crash-on-mountain Information on DeMoss's injuries and mother's statements

Montana motorcyclist missing for 5 days swerved to miss a deer - Cowboy State Daily https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/08/19/montana-motorcyclist-missing-for-5-days-swerved-to-miss-a-deer/ Details about riding companions' search efforts and decisions

Biker survives in Idaho wilderness for five days by drinking creek water after crash - Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/biker-survives-idaho-wilderness-five-194310043.html Greg Common's search efforts and discovery details

Missing Missoula biker found alive in Idaho - Montana Right Now https://www.montanarightnow.com/missoula/missoula-county-sheriff-looking-for-missing-man-last-contacted-in-kooskia-idaho-on-sunday/article_190f2978-5996-11ef-903d-8bbba8c64081.html Official law enforcement response and search coordination

Motorcyclist Zachary Demoss found alive after five days missing - Clearwater Tribune https://www.clearwatertribune.com/news/community_news/motorcyclist-zachary-demoss-found-alive-after-five-days-missing/article_d9b7adec-5fe7-11ef-83ca-9ffd42fd7f2e.html Details on crash location and rescue timeline

Additional Resources

Idaho County Sheriff's Office - Official statements and press releases regarding search operations

U.S. Border Patrol - Search and rescue coordination information

Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT - Medical treatment facility

Geographic and Route Information

Clearwater-Lochsa Scenic Byway (Highway 12) - Route description and characteristics Idaho Department of Transportation - Highway safety information

Wilderness Medicine Context

Wilderness First Aid and medical trauma information provided by Julie Henningsen, Headwaters Field Medicine


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Episoder(195)

The Butte Mining Incident of 1917 | E66

The Butte Mining Incident of 1917 | E66

The Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine Disaster of June 8, 1917 is one of the most momentous events in US mining history. In the depths of Butte, Montana's copper mine, tragedy unfolded that day as a fiery inferno engulfed the tunnels and filled them with searing smoke. The miners had been toiling away at full production to support America in World War I and were pushing for better working conditions. Little did they know that their efforts would be in vain, as 168 of them died that day due to suffocation from the fire consuming their oxygen supply. It was a devastating blow to Butte, Montana and the nation and stands today as one of the worst underground hard rock mining disasters in US history. Mining will never be the same. A hundred years have passed since that fateful day, but its memory still lingers in Butte, and its legacy lives on as a reminder of the danger and sacrifice of mining. The Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine Disaster forever stands as a testament to those brave miners who gave their lives in service to their nation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Wolf Wagner & Johannes Hoentsch: Canoe Trip in Remote Canada gone Wrong | E65

Wolf Wagner & Johannes Hoentsch: Canoe Trip in Remote Canada gone Wrong | E65

Wolf Wagner (25) and Johannes Hoentsch (26) had no idea what they were in for when they set out into the Canadian wilderness via canoe mid July 2017. Armed with a few maps, gps device, supplies, and their canoe, Wagner and Hoentsch navigated their way through the beautiful, but often treacherous northern Manitoba waters.   As they made their way downstream, the stunning Canadian landscape unfolded before them - crystal blue lakes, vast marshlands, and thick forests filled with wildlife.   But this idyllic adventure soon took a dangerous turn when they realized the river was not as easy to navigate as they once thought. They entered some rapids and their canoe hit a large rock and was shattered beyond repair. With no way to continue on their journey, the two men had to rely on their own ingenuity and skill for self-rescue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Jul 202323min

Steve Callahan; 76 Days Lost at Sea | E64

Steve Callahan; 76 Days Lost at Sea | E64

Steven Callahan's incredible story of survival against all odds is inspiring. In 1981, he was left adrift in the Atlantic Ocean for a harrowing 76 days after his sailing vessel sunk during a storm. With nothing but ingenuity and perseverance, he managed to survive on the open sea with minimal resources.   Despite facing incredible difficulties such as intense storms, lack of food, and dehydration, Callahan was able to stay afloat and document his journey. His memoir, Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea, became a best-selling book in which he tells the story of his remarkable struggle for survival against all odds.   Callahan has also been awarded three U.S. patents for inventions related to boats and navigation. His inventive spirit and his ability to overcome adversity inspired many people around the world. Steven Callahan is an example of resilience, strength, and courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds.   Simply put, his story is a true testament to the power of human will and perseverance; an amazing tale that serves as an inspiration for us all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10 Jul 202332min

Sydnie Uemoto & David McMahon: Open Water Swim Following a Plane Crash | E63

Sydnie Uemoto & David McMahon: Open Water Swim Following a Plane Crash | E63

Pilots Syndie and David never expected their flight between Oahu and the Big Island to take a frightening turn. On July 15, 2016, both engines of their plane went out, leaving them with only minutes before impact into the ocean. Little did they know what would lie ahead: an epic 21-hour swim towards shore after a plane crash with temperatures below 70F.   The journey was filled with unexpected obstacles. A deflated life vest left David struggling for hours, and encounters with jellyfish and a swim-by from a shark further tested their will and determination. But the thoughts of family and friends back home kept them going during this difficult journey.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3 Jul 202323min

Disaster on Mount Hood; In the Blink of an Eye a Massive Accident Takes out Multiple Climbers | E62

Disaster on Mount Hood; In the Blink of an Eye a Massive Accident Takes out Multiple Climbers | E62

On Thursday, May 30th 2002, a tragedy unfolded atop the majestic Mount Hood in Oregon. Three climbers were killed and four injured when they fell into the Bergschrund crevasse in an 800-foot drop from the summit of Mount Hood. The climbing accident was made worse by a dramatic crash-and-roll of a USAF Pavehawk rescue helicopter from the 304th RQS, which had suddenly lost lift. The Mount Hood Tragedy of 2002 will not soon be forgotten by the Oregon mountaineering community, and serves as a somber reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly disaster can strike. Check out the live footage of the helicopter crash! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjDpVU8qWWc Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

26 Jun 202327min

Laurent Camprubi: His Sailboat Capsized Leaving him Trapped in an Air Bubble | E61

Laurent Camprubi: His Sailboat Capsized Leaving him Trapped in an Air Bubble | E61

Laurent Camprubi had been sailing for almost two decades, but nothing could have prepared him for the situation he found himself in. One minute he was attempting to qualify for the prestigious Route de Rhum race - a fiercely competitive 4,077 mile sailing competition - and the next his sailboat had capsized in rough waters.   He managed to stabilize his body within an air bubble at the bottom of his cabin. With no way out and only his wits and limited supplies, Laurent knew that if he wanted to survive this ordeal, he'd need every ounce of courage within him.   The ocean around him seemed determined to keep Laurent from ever competing again; waves crashed against the boat like they were trying their best to sink it further into their depths. But somehow Laurent held on as time passed by slowly yet steadily—every hour feeling like an eternity until something unexpected happened: a knock on the side of the overturned boat. It was then when hope truly ignited in Laurent's heart - maybe there still was a chance after all! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 Jun 202322min

Adrian Knopps: Alone for Seven Days in Misty Fjords AK after a Tragic Accident | E60

Adrian Knopps: Alone for Seven Days in Misty Fjords AK after a Tragic Accident | E60

Adrian and Garrett set out to explore Misty Fjords National Park on September 14, 2013, full of hope and enthusiasm for the adventure that lay ahead. Little did Adrian know that the journey would prove to be the biggest test of his strength and courage. The two were not aware that it would be their last hunting trip together. After a tragic accident, Adrian found himself alone, stranded on a sand bar with rising tides, facing down nature at its most fierce and unforgiving. With no means of communication, he had to rely solely on his own knowledge and his will to tell Garrett's family what happened to him to survive. For seven long days, Adrian battled against extreme temperatures and a hostile environment in a desperate attempt to await rescue.   Also, sorry guys, I was having problems with my recording devise and was not able to add any music to this episode. Hopefully next time. Hope you have a great week and thank you SO much for supporting us! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

12 Jun 202326min

Matt Henningsen: Successful Bear Hunt to an Unexpected Medical Emergency | E59

Matt Henningsen: Successful Bear Hunt to an Unexpected Medical Emergency | E59

Working as a big game hunting guide in Alaska’s remote wilderness is an amazing but dangerous job. As Matt Henningsen, a former guide for Alaska Trophy Safaris, knows first-hand, it can come with some unforeseen risks. During his time as a guide, while leading a bear hunt, Matt experienced an unexpected medical emergency that threatened to take his arm or even his life. Listen in as Matt Henningsen, Julie's husband tells his story in his own words. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5 Jun 202347min

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