The mountains in Idaho can be an unforgiving place, especially if you're alone or unprepared. One man found this out the hard way, but fortunately, a Mayor from Idaho stumbled across the traveler and provided assistance.
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Trevor Chadwick is the City of Star Mayor and documented an unusual encounter on his
Facebook page. In a post titled 'The Idaho Way' from a few days ago, the Mayor explains that he and his wife Amber were enjoying their anniversary jeeping in the mountains in the snow. Anniversary celebrations were postponed when they spotted a young man stranded by the ice and snow. He had reportedly been stuck there for over 24 hours.'Not sure why he chose to drive in this location with his car,' Chadwick says. He and his wife were the only people the weary man had seen since he got stuck. The driver had run out of gas and explained he hadn't eaten anything besides a few chips. Chadwick explains that he gave the man five gallons of gas, some food that Amber made, and some drinks.
It reportedly took about four hours to free the stranded driver's vehicle from the ice. The Mayor describes how he used his jack to free the car from the creek. He also had to put wood under the wheels and use his traction boards. The couple even had to drive back into Idaho City to grab a tow strap.
The Mayor Said He Is Grateful The Man 'Did Not Become A Statistic'
Despite the multiple-hour ordeal, Chadwick says "I am thankful we were there to help him so he did not become a statistic." The man didn't tell anyone where he was, which Chadwick describes as 'a huge mistake.'
' Being a multi generational Idahoan everyone needs to understand our mountains are beautiful but can be very unforgiving,' the Mayor explains. 'Many people have lost their lives by not being prepared and not letting others know where they are going.'
Chadwick lists everything he brings in his jeep, including food, extra jackets, and a way to start a fire. He also stresses the importance of letting someone know where you are. The man reportedly offered money, but Chadwick refused and told him to 'pay it forward' when someone needs help. His post concludes, 'Enjoy the outdoors, be adventurous, be safe, be most importantly be kind.'
