Woman found alive after four days missing in Maine forest
72-year-old found alive, husband deceased after days missing in Maine forest
Authorities in Maine have rescued a woman missing for four days in a forest with her husband and their dog. Pamela Helmstadter, 72, was found on Thursday afternoon in Washington County. Her 82-year-old husband, John Helmstadter, was discovered deceased in the woods less than 200 yards from her location.
The couple had left for a walk with their dog on Sunday morning, following trails behind their Alexander home. While on the trail, John fell and was unable to get up. Without her cellphone, Pamela left to seek help. “She was more physically capable, so they decided she would go for help,” Sgt. Josh Beal noted.
A neighbour, noticing an unmoved package for several days, alerted authorities about woman. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife initiated a search for the couple early on Thursday. A game warden and his K-9 unit located Pamela that afternoon. She was suffering from hypothermia, with the dog by her side.
Hiker Pamela Helmstadter was lost in northeastern Maine for four days before being rescued.
ABC News’ Morgan Norwood reports. pic.twitter.com/Q0nTSaBpIW
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) October 20, 2024
“The dog was very protective, lying on her chest to keep her warm,” Beal said. Pamela, still conscious, explained the situation to rescuers and was taken to a hospital. “It rained all day Monday, temperatures dropped to 27-28 degrees on Wednesday night,” Beal added. “She did exceptionally well to survive.”
Further information has been sought from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Press Herald reports on the tragic discovery of a missing Alexander couple, Pamela and John Helmstadter, with John found dead and Pamela severely hypothermic but conscious.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How long was the woman missing in the forest?
Four days.
Where was Pamela Helmstadter found?
In Washington County.
What happened to Pamela’s husband?
He was found deceased less than 200 yards from her.
How did Pamela stay warm?
Her dog lay on her chest to keep her warm.
What were the weather conditions during the time they were missing?
It rained on Monday and temperatures dropped to 27-28 degrees on Wednesday night.
