Backus, Minnesota — A Minnesota woman who had been missing for several days was found alive after surviving a remarkable ordeal that left her nearly completely submerged in mud before two strangers came to her rescue.
Authorities said 68-year-old Kathryn Jane Woessner of Alexandria was located on June 7 after being reported missing for several days. Her discovery came in a remote muddy area near Backus, roughly 80 miles from her hometown, ending a search that could have easily had a tragic outcome.
Instead, thanks to a chance encounter and quick action by two men riding off-road vehicles, Woessner was rescued and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Off-Road Riders Make Unexpected Discovery
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Woessner had last been seen on June 3 and was later reported missing.
On Saturday, Adam Sandbeck and Mike Gravalin were riding along trails in the Backus and Hackensack area when they came across a van stuck in a muddy section of terrain.
At first, the vehicle appeared to be abandoned. However, as they moved closer to inspect the scene, they noticed something unusual in a nearby puddle.
The men initially believed they might be looking at a body partially submerged in the mud.
What happened next shocked them.
‘Help Me’ Changes Everything
As the two men approached, they suddenly realized the person was still alive.
“And then she whispered, ‘Help me,’ and it scared the crap out of me,” Sandbeck recalled.
The rescuers said Woessner was almost entirely submerged, with only a small portion of her face visible above the muddy water.
According to Sandbeck, all they could see was part of her face.
“The round part of her face, like her mouth, her lips.”
Realizing the urgency of the situation, the two men quickly worked together to pull her from the mud before contacting emergency services.
Woman Described Mud as ‘Like Quicksand’
After being freed, Woessner reportedly explained how she became trapped. According to Sandbeck, she said she had fallen into the muddy area and was unable to escape.
He recalled her describing the mud as being similar to quicksand, making it nearly impossible for her to pull herself free. The conditions left her stranded for days with little ability to move while waiting for someone to discover her location.
Despite spending nearly three days trapped, Woessner remained conscious long enough to call out for help when the two riders approached.
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Rescue Ends Days-Long Search
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that emergency responders arrived after receiving the 911 call and transported Woessner to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Officials have not released additional details regarding her medical condition, but authorities confirmed she was alive when rescued.
The extraordinary survival story has drawn attention across Minnesota, with many praising the quick thinking of Sandbeck and Gravalin, whose decision to investigate the stranded vehicle ultimately saved a life.
What began as a routine ride through local trails turned into a dramatic rescue that likely prevented a tragic outcome.
For Woessner and her loved ones, the discovery brought an end to days of uncertainty and highlighted how a chance encounter can sometimes make all the difference.
What do you think about this incredible survival story? Have you ever witnessed or experienced an unexpected rescue situation? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
