Authorities discovered a 74-year-old woman, Nancy Bloomquist, alive after she spent three nights lost in the wilderness following a visit to a Michigan casino. Bloomquist had been travelling back to Norton Shores from Little River Casino, located approximately 100 miles away, when she became disoriented and ended up on a lengthy driveway belonging to a seasonal home.
While trying to turn her vehicle around, her SUV became disabled and subsequently caught fire. Bloomquist exited the vehicle to escape the flames but left her phone behind, complicating her situation further. Attempting to find her way back to the car, she lost her bearings and sought refuge beside a fallen tree to shield herself from rain during the cold night. By Friday, the harsh conditions left her too cold to stand.
A tip regarding the burned-out vehicle provided the clue authorities needed to locate her. The Mason County Sheriff’s Office utilised a drone and satellite technology in their search efforts, which ultimately led them to her location on Sunday evening.
Sheriff Kim Cole remarked on Bloomquist’s remarkable survival, stating she was “incredibly lucky” to have made it through the ordeal, especially considering the freezing temperatures she faced. Authorities praised her resilience and strength during a difficult and perilous situation.