The Lone Survivor of Early Winters Spire: Anton Tselykh's Impossible Escape from the Cascades | E194
On Mother's Day weekend 2025, four friends set out to climb North Early Winters Spire in Washington's North Cascades, but a single rusted piton anchor failed during their descent, sending all four climbers plummeting 500 to 700 feet down the mountain. Three men died instantly from the fall, while 38-year-old Anton Tselykh miraculously survived despite suffering a cracked skull, broken ribs, internal bleeding, and head trauma. What followed was one of the most remarkable self-rescues in climbing history—and a mystery that even the U.S. Forest Service investigation couldn't explain: why did one man survive when three others didn't? 00:00 Introduction to Case Knives 00:25 Escape Ads with Patreon 00:59 Welcome to Crux True Survival Stories 01:34 Anton Tselykh's Nightmare Begins 03:15 The North Cascades: A Treacherous Terrain 05:38 Meet the Climbing Team 08:22 The Climb and the Descent 14:11 The Fatal Decision 19:01 The Climbers' Final Descent 20:03 The Fall and Its Immediate Aftermath 22:38 Anton’s Struggle for Survival 25:07 The Rescue and Recovery Efforts 30:00 The Investigation and Findings 33:45 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References U.S. Forest Service Climbing Accident Report - North Early Winters Spire, Early Winters Couloir https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/kxly.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/44/844567ae-de1f-463b-9ba0-3c157259fb33/6848c7bac1406.pdf.pdf Okanogan County Sheriff's Office - Official Statements Methow Valley News - "Surviving climber shares harrowing account of fall" https://methowvalleynews.com/2025/05/22/surviving-climber-shares-harrowing-account-of-fall/ Spokesman-Review - "Report offers details on North Cascades climbing accident" https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/10/report-offers-details-on-north-cascades-climbing-a/ CBS News - "Climber who survived fall that killed 3 friends was unconscious for hours, awoke in dark before seeking help" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/surviving-climber-fall-killed-3-unconscious-awoke-dark-calling-help/ CBS News - "Dramatic details emerge after climber survives 400-foot fall that killed 3 friends in Washington state" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/triple-fatal-climbing-fall-washington-state-survivor-details/ Seattle Times/Spokesman-Review - "What we know about the North Cascades climbing accident that killed three" https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/may/14/what-we-know-about-the-north-cascades-climbing-acc/ KOMO News - "Seattle climber recounts survival after 400-foot fall in North Cascades accident" https://komonews.com/news/local/400-foot-fall-north-cascades-deadly-incident-accident-okanogan-couny-satisfactory-condition-cristine-woodworth-tragedy-anchor-piton-failure-washington-state-40-miles-april-22 NCW Life - "Report: Piton failure sent mountaineers to their deaths" https://www.ncwlife.com/news/report-piton-failure-sent-mountaineers-to-their-deaths/article_2c279af4-37d7-41bd-8fce-36d90492bd23.html Your Source One - "Report: Missteps Caused Fatal Climb Fall in Okanogan County" https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/report-series-of-missteps-led-to-deadly-north-cascades-climbing-fall-in-okanogan-county/article_f14ed12f-3b01-4a04-89b6-16a68de5529a.html KXLY News - "Report details what went wrong in accident that killed three climbers in the Washington Cascades" Fluke Corporation - Official Statement on Vishnu Irigireddy Facebook/GoFundMe - Olga Martynenko's Statements Okanogan County Search and Rescue (OCSAR) Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 Nov 39min
60 Minutes to Survive: Inside the Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Bonus | E193
In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh chats with Tony Peniche, one of the founders of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games. They discuss the intense challenges of wilderness survival, the adrenaline-filled competition, and exciting updates about expanding the games nationally. Tony shares insights from his recent trip to New Mexico and plans to team up with Scouting America for a broader rollout. Kaycee also reflects on her own experiences in the competition, including the need for bushcraft skills, the camaraderie built through shared challenges, and tips for future contestants. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:10 Overview of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games 01:18 Tony Peniche's Exciting News 04:28 Challenges and Experiences in the Survival Games 05:55 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned 10:23 Future Plans and Opportunities 23:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell https://www.pnwsurvivalgames.com/ Instagram: @pnwsurvivalgames Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9 Nov 24min
Sealed in Stone - The John Edward Jones Nutty Putty Cave Incident | Disaster Strikes E192
**Content Warning: This story contains graphic details about a fatal cave accident involving prolonged entrapment in a confined space. It includes descriptions of claustrophobic conditions, failed rescue attempts, and a tragic death. The content may be particularly distressing for those sensitive to themes of confinement or helplessness. In this segment of the Crux podcast called Disaster Strikes, hosts Kaycee Macintosh and Julie Henningsen recount the tragic story of John Edward Jones and the Nutty Putty Cave incident. Unlike their regular episodes that focus on survival stories, this biweekly segment delves into outdoor adventures that ended in disaster, aiming to educate listeners on how quickly things can go wrong in the wilderness. The episode recounts John Jones' fatal caving expedition in November 2009, the rescue efforts, and the series of small but fatal decisions that led to his entrapment and death. The story serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in cave exploration and the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:44 The Nutty Putty Cave Tragedy 01:37 John Edward Jones: A Life of Promise 03:03 The Fateful Decision 04:13 Exploring Nutty Putty Cave 07:16 The Desperate Rescue Effort 12:56 The Tragic Outcome 21:44 Aftermath and Legacy 27:38 Lessons Learned 29:19 Conclusion and Sign-Off Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6 Nov 30min
Walk or Wait: Carolina Wilga's Fight to Survive the Outback | E191
Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on the Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the harrowing tale of Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve of Western Australia. After a vehicle rollover left her with a severe head injury, Carolina made the decision that every survival expert warns against—she left her vehicle. What followed was a nearly two-week ordeal through 740,000 acres of unforgiving outback, enduring freezing temperatures that dropped below 3°C, navigating prickly terrain barefoot, and surviving on nothing but rainwater from puddles. Against impossible odds, Carolina kept walking even after convincing herself she would never be found. Her incredible rescue by a local farmer driving down a rarely-used road is a testament to resilience, the will to survive, and the power of being in the right place at the right time. This episode explores the critical decisions that can mean life or death in the wilderness and reminds us why staying with your vehicle could save your life. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:25 Setting the Scene: Carolina's Journey Begins 01:17 The Nightmare Unfolds: Carolina's Accident 01:46 Survival Against the Odds: Carolina's Struggle 03:46 The Harsh Realities of the Australian Outback 07:10 The Search Begins: Tracking Carolina's Movements 15:46 The Rescue: A Miraculous Encounter 19:14 Aftermath and Reflection: Carolina's Statement 20:41 Survival Instincts and Key Factors 21:41 The Critical Decision: Staying with the Vehicle 22:52 Preparation for the Australian Outback 23:13 Vehicle Essentials and Navigation 26:38 Water, Food, and Shelter 28:14 Legal and Cultural Considerations 31:43 The Psychological Component of Survival 32:30 Survival Stories from the Outback 37:07 The Miracle of Rescue 39:53 Final Thoughts and Lessons 43:09 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement RESOURCES "Carolina Wilga, German woman who went missing in Australia's remote Outback, found alive after 12 days" - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carolina-wilga-german-backpacker-found-australia-missing-12-days-outback/ Core facts about the incident timeline, location details, search operations, and initial rescue information. Includes quotes from Inspector Martin Glynn. "Carolina Wilga's outback rescuer describes her survival after 12 days in Western Australia as 'miracle'" - RNZ News https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/566750/carolina-wilga-s-outback-rescuer-describes-her-survival-after-12-days-in-western-australia-as-miracle Tania Henley's firsthand account of finding Carolina, police statements about her condition, and details about survival methods (drinking from puddles, sheltering in cave). "Carolina Wilga releases statement after being found alive in WA's outback" - RNZ News https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/566923/carolina-wilga-releases-statement-after-being-found-alive-in-wa-s-outback Carolina's first-person account of the crash, head injury, and explanation for leaving the vehicle. Her complete statement from hospital. "German backpacker Carolina Wilga thanks Australians for 'courage, helpfulness, and warmth'" - SBS News https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/german-backpacker-carolina-wilga-thanks-australians-for-courage-helpfulness-and-warmth/uw1sqncjc Carolina's full gratitude statement from hospital, details about the search operations, and community response. "Carolina Wilga survived 12 days in the Australian outback. She just told us how." - Mamamia https://www.mamamia.com.au/carolina-missing-backpacker-australia/ Additional context about Carolina's decision-making, Tania Henley interview, and expert commentary on survival. "German backpacker Carolina Wilga survives 12 days lost in WA outback" - NZ Herald https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/german-backpacker-carolina-wilga-survives-12-days-lost-in-wa-outback/OB2WNNTJE5GP5JML5GW3DB6YJI/ Details about van location (35km off-track), walking distance (20km from nearest track), search operations, and friend Denise Kullick's account. "Backpacker Found Alive After Nearly 2 Weeks Missing in Australian Outback" - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/backpacker-found-alive-after-nearly-2-weeks-missing-australian-outback-2098187 Information about Carolina's 2-year travel history in Australia, work on mine sites, expert quotes about hostile environment from Inspector Glynn. "German tourist found alive 12 days after she was lost in the Australian Outback" - CNN https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/11/australia/missing-german-tourist-outback-intl Temperature data (2.6°C/36.7°F), reserve size (300,000 hectares), recovery boards details, and timeline verification. "Police say aircraft are best chance of finding tourist lost in Australian Outback" - ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/police-search-aircraft-best-chance-finding-german-tourist-123668195 Mother Katja Will's appeals, information about Carolina's hometown (Castrop-Rauxel), and Western Australia Premier Roger Cook's statements. "Carolina Wilga ist zurück in Castrop-Rauxel" - Ruhr Nachrichten (German) https://www.ruhrnachrichten.de/castrop-rauxel/zurueck-in-der-heimat-carolina-wilga-nach-ueberlebenskampf-im-outback-in-castrop-rauxel-angekommen-w1056958-2001740732/ Carolina's return to Germany on July 19, 2025, medical accompaniment on flight, treatment at Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, detail about losing approximately 12 kilograms. "German backpacker's survival story unfolds after 12 days in the outback" - YourLifeChoices https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/travel/german-backpackers-survival-story-unfolds-after-12-days-in-the-outback/ Jed Currey (Explore WA 4WD Adventures) expert commentary on outback preparedness and safety advice for international travelers. "Wilderness Survival Lessons from the Recovery of Carolina Wilga" - Modern Warrior Project https://modernwarriorproject.com/wilderness-survival-lessons-carolina-wilga/ Technical survival analysis, community role in rescue, expert perspective from Shane Blevins (20-year Army Special Operations veteran), STOP and PLAN survival frameworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
3 Nov 44min
Franklin River Rescue: 20-Hour Ordeal Ends in Underwater Amputation | E190
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing 20-hour survival and rescue ordeal of 65-year-old Lithuanian adventurer Valdas Bieliauskas in the wilderness of Tasmania. After a tragic fall left Valdas' leg wedged between two boulders in freezing rapids, his friends and a dedicated Australian rescue team faced impossible decisions and extraordinary challenges. The rescue's climax involved an underwater amputation performed with minimal resources, saving Valdas' life. This story underscores human resilience, the capabilities of modern emergency medicine, and the extraordinary courage of wilderness rescue professionals. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:32 The Incident on the Franklin River 04:03 The Rescue Operation Begins 07:04 The Struggle to Free Valdas 16:24 Critical Decisions and Final Attempts 21:13 A Desperate Situation 21:43 The Arrival of Dr. Kippax 22:57 The Underwater Amputation 26:39 A Race Against Time 29:15 The Miracle of Hypothermia 30:42 A Remarkable Recovery 34:14 Reflections on Risk and Rescue 38:52 Valdas' Future Plans 41:44 Final Thoughts and Gratitude 42:57 Closing Remarks Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References- ABC News Australia. "How one slip on the Franklin River triggered a race to save a rafter's life." June 28, 2025. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-29/franklin-river-rescue-man-stuck-lithuanian-valdas-leg-amputated/105420916 RNZ News. "Your leg or your life: Inside a perilous 24-hour wild river rescue." June 29, 2025. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/565467/your-leg-or-your-life-inside-a-perilous-24-hour-wild-river-rescue LRT (Lithuanian National Radio and Television). "Your leg or your life: Lithuanian traveller lost limb in near-deadly accident in Tasmania." February 1, 2025. https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2474903/your-leg-or-your-life-lithuanian-traveller-lost-limb-in-near-deadly-accident-in-tasmania Australian Story (ABC). "The River: Franklin River Rescue" (Parts 1 & 2). June 30 & July 7, 2025. Available on ABC iview. Brittle, Rob and Parkinson, Mitch (Intensive Care Flight Paramedics, Ambulance Tasmania). "Patient Centred Team Based Critical Care In Austere Environments." Australian College of Paramedicine. https://paramedics.org/news/patient-centred-team-based-critical-care-in-austere-environments Paddling Magazine. "Inside The Whitewater Accident That Led To An Underwater Amputation." July 18, 2025. https://paddlingmag.com/stories/news-events/underwater-amputation-rescue/ Pulse Tasmania. "Tasmanian doctor receives prestigious Lithuanian award for dramatic river leg amputation." July 7, 2025. https://pulsetasmania.com.au/news/tasmanian-doctor-receives-prestigious-lithuanian-award-for-dramatic-river-leg-amputation/ Water by Nature Tasmania - Franklin River Rafting. https://franklinriver.com/ Rafting.com. "Franklin River Rafting Trips." https://www.rafting.com/australia/tasmania/franklin-river/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
27 Okt 44min
What Happened to Gerry Largay – Disaster Strikes| E189
Welcome back to Disaster Strikes! In this episode of The Crux podcast's biweekly segment, Disaster Strikes, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the heartbreaking tale of 66-year-old Geraldine Largay, a retired Air Force nurse, who tragically lost her life on the Appalachian Trail in 2013. Despite Jerry's extensive hiking experience, her poor sense of direction led to her getting lost just two miles off the trail. The ensuing search operation became one of the largest in Maine's history. Gerry survived alone for 26 days, documenting her struggle in a journal. Her final entries became poignant messages to her family. Gerry's story has since prompted improved safety and navigation education within the hiking community. This episode examines how her ordeal underscores the thin line between adventure and tragedy while highlighting the importance of preparedness and the enduring power of love. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 01:02 The Story of Geraldine Largay Begins 02:19 Jerry's Journey on the Appalachian Trail 04:13 The Tragic Turn 11:58 The Search Efforts 14:02 Jerry's Final Days 20:13 Lessons Learned and Legacy 28:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
23 Okt 30min
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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
20 Okt 41min
Solo Flight Gone Wrong: Sheryl Ramstad's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph | E187
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories podcast, host Julie Henningsen interviews Sheryl Ramstad, a burn survivor, former criminal trial attorney, and Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections, who shares her harrowing story of surviving an airplane crash. Sheryl details the events leading up to the crash, the critical decisions she made during the incident, and her miraculous survival despite extensive injuries. She recounts her recovery process, her mother's unwavering support, and the challenges of living with severe burns. Sheryl also talks about her remarkable life post-recovery, including running marathons, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and transitioning to a career in nursing to help other burn survivors. This episode highlights Sheryl's resilience, her focus on service, and her drive to turn adversity into opportunities for growth and inspiration. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:19 Introducing Sheryl Ramstad 01:56 Sheryl's Life Before the Crash 02:50 The Plane Crash Incident 05:05 Immediate Aftermath and Rescue 06:23 Survival and Recovery in the Burn Unit 13:09 Rehabilitation and Setting New Goals 18:47 Training for a Marathon 22:22 Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 27:31 A New Career Path: From Judge to Nurse 30:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Nursing 34:11 The Harsh Realities of Burn Treatment 41:13 A Second Chance at Life 47:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts References: https://www.sherylramstadauthor.com/ Sheryl’s book, Living Life Full Throttle; Surviving, Serving and Summiting, is available on Amazon.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
13 Okt 49min
