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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- *WARNING, distressing content*
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#1 -- "Bear Camp Road" -- 0:44 -- This road is a death trap
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What bothers me most is that James likely thought he had failed and his family would die. He likely died with that thought.
I agree. Sad but true. At that point though, with no food, water, hyperthermia, and exhaustion, honestly his mind might have started to kind of “go” hours before he ultimately collapsed. You could absolutely be right and he had a flash of that just before he lost consciousness, but I would say it’s roughly equally probable that he didn’t, your body shutting down like that is a process that includes your mind and it’s ability triceps clearly/accurately/effectively, I’m just thinking he may have not been able to think clearly about them leading up to his collapse. Just trying to make myself feel better i guess. Because the thought of that being his last clear thought/vision is indeed heartbreaking, it’s at least possible that it wasn’t. Mind may have been long gone, in terms of being able to think clearly like that.
Wow man. Heart breaking. I’m gonna get off of TH-cam now and go spend time with my baby boy and wife.
☹️awww
@@rodneyshackelford7529 absolutely agree with that.
Absolutely. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to communicate something to someone more. James, you are an absolute hero and you saved your family.
I knew James, back when he was a writer at CNET. He was an incredibly friendly, and just nice guy, all around. That man died a hero.
You just got 10 likes immediately in a second
Damn sad to hear.
Is the story about him being so attractive she only fixated on him during the whole trip they met at true though? Lol
I find it hard to believe considering Asian dudes don't get much attention from the ladies, especially ones involved in techie shit. Believe me I would know
@@dankone3 So in your mind, what, only white dudes & black dudes get attention from ladies? There are a lot of white dudes and black dudes who have no luck with ladies too. Get rid of that loser victim attitude.
@@dankone3 asians are fit af
The fact that his foot prints are what saved his family is beyond me. That is almost haunting in a way.
its haunting but its bittersweet. they wouldn't have been found, so james ultimately sacrificed his life and saved his family in the process.
Oh wow you're right. I didn't even think about that. I hope his wife found some kind of comfort in that fact eventually. 😔
@@fruitygranulizer540yea but he could have walked to the town and lived but he still didn’t learn his lesson and went looking for a shortcut.
Yes, he pretty much HAD to sacrifice himself and that was probably why he had such a strong urgency to leave the car and attempt to find the town.
😂😂😂😂
This story is full of the “butterfly effect.” Starting with the people who left the gate open, the choice to make another trip before heading home, the choice to take an alternative route during the extra trip, the choice to not turn around when there came a fork in the road, the choice to take the road that ultimately lead to a dead end, the choice that James made that ultimately left the foot prints in the snow ect. A snowball effect of choices that they had no idea would lead to James’ death. Life is so unpredictable and terrifying.
If this story teaches us anything. It's that sometimes it's better to go with what info you know. And sometimes it's better to take the leap.
Although I guess that just means, "who ever actually knows?"
Those vandals should know what they did😢
It was a lot of bad decisions, honestly.
I mean no disrespect to Mr Kim but he made multiple stupid decisions, so sad
Those people didn't just "leave the gate open", they DELIBERATELY FORCED IT AND LOCKED IT OPEN - they are at least partially responsible for James's death😡😡😡😡😡
Take it from a tourbus driver: the road you already passed and therefor know is always better than the road you don't know.
Lost? Go back the same way you came. Trust me.
Yep. I always prefer the devil I know.
100 percent!
As a truck driver it’s almost impossible to make a u turn and sometimes have no choice .
I totally agree
EXACTLY. Main rule of hiking in unfamiliar terrain: NEVER leave the trail. No matter how windy and zig zaggy it is, it will ALWAYS be faster than going off trail, especially without a compass. I was literally so frustrated hearing the last part of James’ journey, I feel so horrible for him and his family. NEVER leave the trail. EVER.
If you realize you've missed a turn and you're driving in a remote area, go back the way you came until you're back in an area you recognize. It doesn't seem like a risk to take a shortcut that looks good on a map but taking routes you don't know well can be so dangerous. This poor family.
I agree, unless you have a wild hair and two weeks worth of food, water, fuel, a ham radio, weapons, off-road vehicle, tools, etc.
RIP to this hero.
They couldn't turn around 6:50 They were going 5mph on a slippery thin road cliff in a blizzard. They tried backing out for miles.
@@watamatafoyu before they reached bear camp road
@@theacesage1778 OK I'll tell them that 😆 I mean, the story itself already makes clear what she said...
@@watamatafoyu They should have never opted to even take the bear camp road to begin with. They had a chance to turn back when they first realized they'd missed a turn after leaving Denny's and heading for the lodge but they didn't and instead took a foolish risk that ended in tragedy.
People please, when you gamble on taking a wrong turn...admit defeat and turn around and go the long safe way
Yeah. This is lame by comparison to this story, but once in the 90s I was driving to CA and I took this little road that on the map looked like a shortcut between I-25 south of Albuquerque and across into Arizona. It cut MILES from the trip. It was hwy 52. It quickly got very mountainy and the damn sun was BLARING in my eyes around every bend as I crept along that damn windy road. By the time I got through it HOURS later, it was dark, and I just remember being so damn tired. - that was when I learned that not all lines on the map are equal. I suppose people who know hwy 52 will laugh at me, but crap it was an experience. It was so unexpected.
ikr??!!!! should ALWAYS stick to the road and NEVER take any road off the highway....especially into the woods where you literally have no clue where it leads to...smh
Yea it was a series of very bad decisions.
I once drove up a VA mtn road and decided to turn around when I discovered I was above a thunderstorm.
@@Maverick-ne3mr I agree. Very bad decisions.
This is the saddest story ive heard on your channel. Its sad, but also bittersweet. You saved your family after all!
As a father I def dropped a tear. I can't imagine the pain of feeling helpless when trying to help my family. Thankfully he did save them. Rest in power hero
If you believe any near death experience stories his last moments were peaceful and possibly knew he saved his family.
Couldn’t have said it better bruh. I definitely got misty eyed. I pray for this mans family. Best wishes to all y’all out there. Stay safe
@Vincent Ivanoff It was an unfortunate mistake.
@Vincent Ivanoff yes, let's point fingers and put blame on the person who made the decisions along the way, when in fact these decisions could have easily been made even if the person in charge was the wife. Let's blame the wife for falling asleep and not telling her husband to make a different decision. Let's blame the kids for not being smart enough to tell their parents that the road is dangeorus. lol
@Vincent Ivanoff Dont be an arse. He more than made up for his mistake of endangering them, by saving them. If he had not gone to try to find help, they never would have seen the footsteps to his family. He loved all 3 of his girls and gave his life for them. He is honorable.
Lesson to learn: never take a road, route or shortcut that you don't know confidently. Adding trip time is always better than being lost, in danger and risking death.
There's truth to this but it's situationally dependent. In good conditions, by doing this you can find some of the most beautiful places. In poor conditions it can lead to death. The real issue is when you start out in a good situation and it turns into a poor one, for whatever reason.
But yeah, in their condition, in the winter... totally agree.
Let's also add that if you have a map, you should know how to read it correctly - it could save your life.
As a delivery driver in a past life, learned that the hard way.
You should always prep your car to survive the harshest weather and about a week of food and water if youre going out on less travelled roads. Always have tools, first aid kits and heat blankets in your car.
I don't want to sound like an heartless asshole but their situation seems likes extreme naivete.
I think some people just truly don't understand or respect how dangerous the world is.
Damn! He covered 16 miles!? That was out of pure love! In those conditions, that is insane. He was so brave, and sacrificed himself , to help his family 😭
16 miles is insane. It's so tragic he lost his life. I was so worried he was going to be the sole survivor as his children and wife died. Especially when she asked him to kill her if the children died.
@@Norixciii me too. But he made the ultimate sacrifice for the love of his family
Would you have done the same?
@@du4lstrik3 I'd go through hell and high water for my family. I'd go as far as I could before my body gave out.
@@du4lstrik3 no. I would have backtracked on the known road..And, not taken a.seasonal use road, in the first place.
Now,.that neing being said, forced into the situation, in a heart beat.
I live in Oregon. We have tons of forest service, BLM, and logging complexes. Some are paved, some are gravel. They're mazes of roads and dead ends/flats going up and down mountains. Great places to camp and offroad, but you have to be prepared. I try not to go out alone as getting stuck or breaking down means you're literally stuck in the middle of nowhere. I actually had to hike down shotgun creek and hitch a ride back home once after getting stuck in the snow alone on a weekend. A CB radio is more useful than a cellphone in these places. They usually have a sign at the entrance with what channel the trucks use there. Even temporary setup like a magna-mount and a cheap radio wired to a cigarette lighter plug could save your life.
In addition to just street clothes, a jacket and sneakers, James was very thin, so he had no fat for extra warmth. Making his 16-mile trek even more superhuman. Those girls lost a tremendous father.
Absolutely he definitely was and is a true hero
But if he had some fat it would have impeded him
@@user-wy1yb7zj1j No, no it wouldn't, we're not talking about chubby fat, just not too skinny.
LoL no wonder I was freezing in the pool last winter and my brother wasn't
@@OrionDawn15Fat-detector activated
I lived down the street from one of their shops when this happened and remember it very clearly. The whole neighborhood was devastated, such a horrible tragedy. But I had never heard on the news that it was the father's footsteps that saved his family - I'm glad you shared that. What a brave man James was, peace and love to them all.
“His trek was superhuman” 😞 His desperation to save his family is so evident. I can’t imagine what was going through his mind.
This was depressing 😔
I imagine that he felt he was their only chance. He did what good fathers do. He kept pushing. He would do whatever it took. There is nothing like a father's love.
the faces of his wife and kids. non stop.
@@CB-rv2lj Quite literally this. I imagine he had come to terms with his own death so long as his family was able to keep going.
Just keep swimming
He literally drove off a developed, paved road onto a gravel road. I am no survival guru, but rules state that when you're lost, in a FWD car, in a snowstorm, don't leave a paved road for a gravel road. Gravel always means more barren. Stop, pull over, and stay where you are or simply BACKTRACK.
Backtracking means to many people that you failed and it’s now the walk of shame.
James was an incredible man, husband, and father. His love for his family drove him to do the impossible all for the hope of saving them. I'm glad that at least in that regard he was successful. A true hero of a man.
Then again i think he should have stayed on the road. It would have been much larger chance helicopters, and such spot him as they spot his foot prints on the road. Its also in the woods even if he believed it would be shorter distance its so slow to walk compared to roads,and on road it much easier to keep your bearings. When i was just child i made mistake as i had to hike about 7km journey thinking i could short cut through forest, and such. Took me hours to wander around, and finally went back to road, and luckily my dad had gotten bad feeling and he was already looking for me. I would have though been home already on the road even on foot
James was an idiot
@@lalli8152 There was a blizzard he wouldn't have known where the road is
James was a complete freaking moron that was close to being responsible for the death of his entire family
James made the wrong turn and then chose to drive along bear camp road in essentially winter over a mountain in Oregon when he was from the area and knew better. So, yes, he deserves credit for his effort to fix the mistake but he made huge mistakes initially that should never have happened.
This story actually had a pretty positive outcome. He was determined to save his family from an impossible situation, and indirectly, he succeeded. Rest well, James.
Well spoken. God bless him
Saved them and he didn’t even know it what a hero
HE GOT THEM STUCK!! Your not a hero for fucking up that bad
@@sawyerbarnes7439 actually saw your first reply in notifications too. Not sure of your age, but there’s a lot of bitterness in your words and it helps to put yourself in their shoes before you judge. We’ve all made bad decisions before and accidentally put ourselves in bad situations.
@@sawyerbarnes7439 I know what you mean but ive learned that life just happens man granted it was a bad choice but sometimes shit happens. Yes he got them stuck but in the end his trail saved them. He is square with his debt and deserves compassion. At least in my opinion brother👍
The fact that professional hikers/searchers called James' trek "superhuman" shows exactly what a parent can do when it comes to their child(ren) surviving a situation that is inevitably fatal. People say women are superhuman when it comes to giving birth because of the extreme circumstances in some births, but it's not just mothers. Fathers are superhuman too.
Not just parents. Two little girls lifted a tractor off their father saving his life
Parents in general are superhuman as long as they genuinely love their children. The amount of strength and bravery a lot of parents show when it comes to protecting their children or saving them from dangerous situations prove that a parent's love is a superpower. This man went out like a hero. And I hope his wife reminds his children of that everyday.
@@michaelnizza414 thanks again I appreciate your response to my text and your thoughts are being sent you are always good for your day thank goodness I will have a great weekend thanks again and thanks you guys for being so good for us I know we will love to have your best best friends you have a blessed blessed life life thank us and your love of life love life life thank goodness I am sorry sorry about the time being there I was like nope you have a blessed night you don’t have to have to be a life you have a blessed blessed love life love blessed day love you all all the love and your love and blessed blessed family life life and love love and miss life thank love love thank love love talk thank goodness love and your life thank goodness thank goodness I have been trying my hardest to do that and yeah I’m good with it all good thank love thank goodness I am sorry to
@J A haha unheard of joke haha
It's called adrenaline
Rules to survival in the backcountry:
1. Always have a contingency plan.
2. Let people know when you plan to arrive somewhere.
3. Know how to make a fire.
4. Have a survival kit and blankets.
I try to always keep blankets in my car as well as those travel pillows. Helped me when I broke down in the winter to keep warm and rested while I waited for help. Luckily I was off to the side of a main road and had phone signal
You fail to realize that they DID NOT know that simply making a wrong turn can turn out to be such a huge mistake....and oh they did know how to make a fire it's just that they ran out of materials to make more...
Aside from knowing how to make a fire in winter snow carrying a small bag of wood pellets is needed. The typical petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls and small lighter costs nothing ! No one is going to find dry wood during snow
I honestly thought this was gonna end with the entire family dying together. Though it's sad James didn't make it, I am glad his sacrifice was not in vain and he saved his wife and kids.
I agree. I was afraid Mr. Ballan was gonna say, "Unfortunately after James left, his wife and kids froze to death. He had left in vain." At least his wife and kids survived.... Rest in Peace, James.
The small details of what happened in the car during those days is the dead giveaway an adult survived..I was hoping the dad would survive as well, but the way he narrated his side of the story once he left, I knew he didn’t
His sacrifice of almost getting his whole family killed? Cause this idiot was driving.
I thought they were all going to be brutally killed and eaten by the bears.
I started off thinking they all were gonna die but the details he knew led me to believe that at least one of the parents had to have survived to tell the story. It’s such a tragedy!! My heart goes out to this entire family. Thanks for sharing this with all of us. James truly is a hero to his wife and daughters. ❤️❤️
I found this in equal parts depressing and uplifting. James died a hero. It's sad that he probably didn't know it - as he collapsed to the ground, his last thought was probably that he was a failure. But in a weird roundabout way he succeeded, and literally just walked through mountains and rivers straight to his death for the ones he loved. What. A. Legend.
a pure and powerful person
a true parent
Doesn't matter how he did because he was reborn in death washed in the innocence the heroism of his death. When he awoke in the next life he cried as he was shown that if he didn't make the decision to save his kids and go for a walk he would not have saved them... The rest u can argue about whether or not he regrets not going back. But again he would never went for help anyways if he was gonna comeback and give up half way through searching for the town
Straight Legend
my heart breaks for that little family, what an incredible father and husband
🥺✊😭
My dad used to tell me something that his dad told him: you can always take off what you have but can't put on what you don't have. Every single cold weather outing I do I bring extra clothes.
A wise man indeed.
My grandfather told me the same thing.
I was wondering if they were on vacation why didn't they have extra clothes
Dry clothes*
I'm 41 and am in premenopause according to my doctor. So I tell everybody else, the thermostat is staying on 65 and you can add on clothing I can only get so naked.
Man, I’ve listened to hundreds of your stories but this one really made me cry. I feel so sad for this man and his family. May he rest in peace. 🕊️
literally first video to make me cry
Yeah...me too. Prayers to the family🥀🥀🥀
😂😂😂😂
Downsides: James died a horrendous death and his family and friends are left in grief. Upsides: His trek saved his family and now he is remembered as a loving hero. Rest in Peace, Mr. James Kim. I hope you experience paradise.
even if he thought he failed he knew he did his best , what a hero
i wouldn't say he died a horrendous death. At least, it's possible he didn't. They say freezing to death is one of the better ways to go, because after a certain point you no longer feel pain or coldness and you just sort of drift away in your sleep. Either way, he's definitely a hero that saved his family's life
He is in Paradise
John 15,13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Mr Kim gave his life to save his family and he is in Glory , watching over his family and still lovingly keeping his eyes on his daughters
He died a horrible death, yes, but I don't think he suffered much physically (I can't possibly know his last thoughts and if he had any hope left or not). His adrenaline and determination pushed him on. I hope he rests in peace, and his family has peace also. Poor folk
@@Any-Okra Amen. He really did love his family. I hope he's at peace now.
James is the definition of a real man. He gave everything to save his family. His tracks saved his family. He was successful in his endeavor and that’s all that matters. RIP James. All good men aspire to be like you. If it takes our life, so be it.
Great comment❤️
Good family man, but I wish he would have waited longer before attempting it.
A masculine man is a man who would do anything for his family
@Robbie Unfortunately, if he left later, they might not have seen him or the footprints, which would mean his family wouldn't have been found. He already waited a week before heading off. Remember, the chopper finds his family only because they followed the footprints James made 2 days ago.
Dude was one of the most incapable adult males I've ever read about. Risked his family by driving up a random access road to avoid doubling back and taking the L. Backed up to the Y and decided, let's go further into the woods and risk my family again. Waited until they ran out of food to walk back. Didn't even walk back the way he drove in. Misread a map. Left a road to walk into the river while wearing street clothes. James was a walking representation of who not to be.
But if him risking his family and then killing himself trying to save them from his bad decisions makes him father of the year for you...bruh...you've set that bar REALLY LOW.
I generally don't let myself get too bothered by these stories, but now and then one moves me to tears. This is one of those. I can't imagine the fear and loneliness and hopelessness James must have been feeling over those 16 miles. And, god, how in the end he really did save his family. One of those tragic, bittersweet miracles.
He didn’t save anyone the helicopter pilot did.
@@freeeggs3811 if he hadn’t left the car, they might have never found his family, as it was his footprints that led the pilot to the car.
@@leahrebecca2051 And if it wasn’t for his stupidity they wouldn’t be in that situation in the first place.
@@freeeggs3811 Bro, chill.
@@Optitius ikr 🤣🤣
I’ve driven these roads and even got stuck in sawtooth national forest. Was driving up the mountain with bad tires (big mistake) and I remember my speed decreasing, next thing I know I’m sliding backwards and off towards the edge of the cliff, it was a 60 foot drop to the bottom however LUCKILY this road had been plowed recently and the snow piled on the edge of the road caught me. Literally 2 feet of snow keeping me from sliding down a 30 degree embankment more than 50 feet down. Scared the crap out of me. I sat for hours until an old man in a beat up F-150 with a chocolate lab in the bed came up the road. Man must’ve done this before because all he said was “need help” 😂😅 he ended up pulling me out of the snow in this pickup that was older than me. The point of my story is to be SMART when you’re out there but most importantly be KIND because 8/10 times it’s going to be a stranger that saves your life.
My husband was a b-1 mechanic and we were stationed in mountain home Idaho and I remember going camping in the Stanley Challiss area. It was beautiful. A lot of the logging roads in the featherville and Atlanta area are not even accessible after November yet people still decide to go on them and ignore the signs. I don't know what is wrong with some people
As a father I can't imagine the heartbreak James must have felt in his last moments. But there is no greater purpose for a Dad than to give his life for his family. And james did.
that's when you hope that somehow he knows they're safe now
When people freeze to death, on average, they are often disoriented, and believe they are just falling asleep for a few minutes before continuing on.
So we can hope he believe he was about to resume and there was still hope.
well, no, hopefully the dad would have survived, a dads greatest purpose is to make sure that his children grow up and become functioning members of society
Couldn’t have said it better myself….. James is a hero.
Truth be told he loved his family as we all do but he should have prepared the car a little better….but yeah the man went out fighting for everything that he held sacred…So sad. I can’t imagine the heartbreak that his wife felt. It doesn’t matter if your on an island or in the Rocky’s!…please people throw a small supply of water, couple cans of soup, can opener, rope, Bic lighter, flashlight, flares, first aid a knife and of course emergency orange thermal blankets and at least 1 heavy jacket in a suitcase or backpack and throw it in the trunk or behind/under the seats. You can do it all for easily under $100.00. Take the time people to protect yourself and your loved ones.
That really made me tear up. As a father, James epitomized everything that a father should be. Even though he never reached his intended destination, he saved his family lives. A sacrifice any parent would make for their children. So powerful. RIP James
He got his family in a stupid situation and risked all of their lives. Spoiler alert: Lacking basic survival and landnav skills can kill you. It is nothing to play around with. Lesser idiots have died worse deaths. Number 1, don't go up dodgy roads and refuse to turn around when you have a chance. Lesson 2, always go back the way you came. Lesson 3, always carry a compass and always know where you're going. Lesson 4, when the rain freezes, that is not a sign that it is okay and do not sleep on it because you will live to regret it. Lesson 5, save your gas. Lesson 6, even if it takes a thousand years and half a mile and hour, plow the road by hand. Dig your way out. With your saved gas, you will make it out, but that is what they did before snowplows. I can tell you that anyone who has a harrowing adventure, such as this, WILL NOT allow oneself to see another. He would have been better off ripping off his bumper and using it to clear the road, but he was not a smart man and would have made a dog-shit engineer.
@@miastrong151 Jesus you are a horrendous human being, yikes...
@@zincs. No, I'm not.
@@zincs. God spared my life, asshole. I guess I have a purpose, here.
The sad part to me is imagining how he felt right before he collapsed. In his mind he was failing to save his wife and kids, but his body reached it's limit
James accomplished what he set out to, he saved his family. RIP James Kim.
SHEEEEEEEEESH ❤️
Saw your comment and broke out in tears. Honorable and to the point.
Be at peace James Kim you're a fuckin warrior and hero!
It's not the body that matters but the heart,soul and will that impacts lives and makes this life a better experience bcuz they were a part of it...this was one of those epic true stories.
@@sarahbuffkin3083 cringe stop
Bruh he died 9 days before I was even born. Rip
Thanks for the spoiler
I looked up some more info on this, and tragically they were stuck only a mile away from a place called Black Bar Lodge, which would've served as a shelter for them with enough food and wood for heating to last months.
😂😂😂😂
Too bad Black Bar Lodge wasn't on their map, unless they misread it for something else.
Not only this, if you look up where James died, he was legit about to get to the Lodge. The river he saw and was walking towards was the exact river the lodge sits on the side of. So not only could his journey have been 1 mile vs 16, if he had made it just a little bit further he'd have gotten to potential safety. And the path he took wound him all over the place, he walked the opposite direction for a long time and got turned around and accidentally made it back fairly close to his family all things considered. Its actually possible where he died, that he'd have seen or heard the helicopter fly by. So he may have known that his family survived
I feel they should hv gone in reverse the way the came. Atleast go near the highway from where they came. It's not like their fuel was over 😢😢 And there should be plenty of food and water for 4 days when making 2 day trip
The saddest part of this story is that in the last few minutes of his life James was most likely devastated that he couldn't help his family and that his search for help was in vain when in fact that due to his brave and courageous sacrifice...he actually saved them.
Lmao 🤣 he was so stupid it was ridiculous
@@eerohughes troll.
@@eerohughes Oh really? His "stupidity" and "ridiculousness" saved his family's lives. Out of survival mode and extreme desperation he went out looking for help for his family after several days of being stuck in the snow. There's absolutely nothing stupid or ridiculous about what this man did. Nothing.
Very sad
@@eerohughes you are very hateful like a person, so mean
James was a true to form badass. He died after the first mile, it just took the other 15 miles for death to work up the courage to tell him.
thats fucking deep. you're 100% right
That is one of the strongest and most hard hitting comments I've seen. Really made me emotional.
@@danhedges7917 same here man.
Wow.
James is goated
a brave, unselfish man, may he rest on peace.
Condolences to his family.
dont want to be an ass but… a better way to say it is “selfless man”, never heard of “unselfish” before tbh…
I don't want to be an ass but the guy is a fool. Everyone knows you wait with the vehicle.
@@bigsteve6729 try putting yourself in their shoes with the stress and terror, logically they wouldn't really think objectively.
@@anonymousejr Unselfish is a word. Look it up. 😉
@@evlynealeshire5850 oop my bad, unselfish is indeed a word just looked it up.
Oregon weather in the valley is no joke. Most people don't expect that you can get cut off in the winter but if you live in the mountains or outskirts of the city, you know that if a snow or ice storm is coming you need to be prepared to live there for a week without power or the ability to leave. Driving out past Estacada there is no cell service for miles. God help you if there is a wild fire that blocks the road.
I hope his children grow up knowing how much their father loved them.
I think they do --- their Dad was a hero
Heroic.... Yes, a smart driver.... No !
All the mother has to do is tell them how much their daddy loved them and he is now your guardian Angel and what a courageous hero he is and how he’ll never be forgotten. 😔
...... and he'll never get any awards for driving skills, or road sense !
@@marby602 I think it’s common sense he lacked not driving skills. Anyone with common sense in a car with their loved ones will never make risky and idiotic decisions like these two parents.
I hiked thirteen miles up and down two mountains with adequate gear, clothing and food in good warm weather. And at the end of it I was delirious by the time I reached camp and collapsed in the tent. James' trek was powered by pure heart and spirit. Rest in peace, James.
Thank you for adding this! A lot of people are commenting on the mistakes that he made that got them out there, but in my opinion, tracking that many miles in a blizzard on Cliffside‘s in mountains with no food, water or supplies is an outstanding feat, and although he did die, he still made sure his family was found safely and they lived. ❤ hell of a man
Tears ... PPL like James last hope for Humanity
the way this guy tells and interprets the story is like he was there a meter a way from whatever happened man what a talent
remember the movie boondock saints? he reminds me of the dude who played goblin in spiderman. when he listens to music an re creates the crime scene lol
Mr Ballen is the best, he researches the data so well and by telling these peoples stories, he makes them a memory for us as his audience. I hope you subscribe
It is quiet impressive. You can picture everything he says vividly like a re-enactment which can be frightening to me sometimes if must be honest.
I know right, like he was a witness to all his stories 🙂
I used to read a lot before my daughter was born and kept me busy. The way I would imagine in my mind the things in the book into what it would be if I was there. MR Ballen has an amazing talent that with just his voice and his amazing way to paint a virtual picture it feels like I myself is the main character in every story . Keep it up please great to see positive people
Man 😔 this story hit me! Leaving his kids and wife behind as a last ditch effort to save them. That’s just horrible but atleast it was not in vein and his tracks led them back to his wife and kids. RIP James
🙏🙏❤️
I believe you did this story absolute justice. The amount of research and emotion that you put into your videos makes this channel very worth watching. You're also always very careful and considerate when it comes to potentially offending or shocking or scaring people, which is rather unique. Thank you for your time and effort! Love this channel!
What a lovely message.
You’re the only TH-cam I know to be able to put “distressing content” in the title and be able to live up to it.
Bro James said fuck the snow you see that shit it's nothing those bears there pussys and I'm a big strong poggers boy you see onward to freedo- (dies)
@@just_some_guy32 what the fuck...
@@just_some_guy32 Not funny bro
@@amy-leacoopertwiggyvonlea8969what did he say??
This story had me in tears. What a courageous man, James was!
I accidentally found your channel and I have been non-stop watching ever since.
I’m a history teacher, and I’m taking notes on your story telling abilities so I can help students see how fun history is.
That’s awesome!
e
@@MrBallen I agree with you
History
I never liked history back in my day. Would love to be your student now specially telling Mr Ballen's storys.
Never underestimate the human spirit... I’m in decent shape and get winded walking through snow 50-100 feet... this man covered 16 miles of snow, river, rocks, and elevation in just street clothes. Fuckin unbelievable.
I know right? The things love can do. May he Rest In Peace
Pure adrenaline is crazy
so true. There was a fire in my grandma house. She managed to carry two big tanks of cooking gas out of the house so that they wouldn’t explode. Her adrenaline rush was crazy.
This guy made the obviously wrong decision like 5 fucking times. Equally unbelievable
i get what u saying but you obv not in decent shape lmao
RIP James. Freezing, starving, dehydrated and terrified - he was not about to do nothing while his family was dying. I would be so proud if that were my dad.
The only time a man can be brave is when he is afraid
@Advanced Driving When James was about to die he was most likely terrified that he failed his family and that must have been his final thoughts
When I was about 19 me and my husband had left whidbey island WA and followed our friends down to Salem OR where we parted ways to head to Memphis TN...we missed a turn off the road out of Salem and ended up taking directions from someone that ended up with us out on a road much like Bear Camp Rd...thankfully it was in warmer weather but we were on that road all night...started out fairly wide and became a rutted road that knocked out exhaust pipe off...we stopped and my husband was able to fasten it up to the car...we came out the next morning around Bend OR...when I think back on that 40 years ago I realize how much danger we were actually in...we were in the Deschutes National Forest...I've never forgotten it and how quietly worried I was without even knowing it
Recently I stopped on the side of the road to help someone with a seized engine. The engine bay way completely on fire. This was my wake up call to get equipment. I always stop for people on the side of the road. I’m from the Midwest and we can get major snow storms and very easily have harsh conditions. While usually not life threatening I think it’s a good gesture to help others. Being said, I’m currently outfitting my truck to be a DIY daily/ rescue truck. Trauma kits, gas cans, fire extinguisher, and more. I never want to rely on someone else. Doing so is relying on good gestures and caring people; something we need more of.
You seem like a really kind and nice person and when I'm older I want to be just like you 🙂
@@nachoscheese150 just remember, what goes around comes around. If you care for a stranger, a stranger will care for you. If that doesn’t ever happen, well you would’ve made this a better world and what’s wrong with that? Just remember, a hand is something that someone may need to complete a mountain.
I need to see official vehicles. If you come up on my car show your palms, and stay well away. Too many prrdators pretend to help women on the road.
@@scallopohare9431 Sad but totally true!!
I applaud your gesture, however be very careful of who you choose to help. Sometimes it’s better just to use your cellphone and just call for someone else to help a stranger.
I swear, your storytelling is taking years off of my life but I just can’t stop.
😆
Cute
As a semi truck driver, ALWAYS go back the way you came when you know there is a highway and cell phone service. Even if it takes twice as long, do what will keep you alive.
Edit: I broke down in the middle of nowhere in north Dakota during winter time and shortly after, the roads were closed for a blizzard. I was stuck for 3 days in negative temperature weather while the storm passed and it was a very cold few days. I'm glad I'm outdoorsy and ex military bc a few bad decisions could have killed me. I keep a lot of survival gear on me for these exact situations and lots of food and water. It's better to be prepared instead of desperately trying to survive with barely anything.
Just for road-tripping... Share plans with a friend or neighbor... AND set a schedule to "check in". That way, in case you change plans, it's a phone call. If you miss a "call-in" by more than a half-hour or so without showing up, the COPS can get called sooner instead of "eventually".
I know. It seems a tad cautious and overtly protective, BUT it's one of the CARDINAL rules for those of us who go cave exploring and surveying for maps, camping, mountaineering or other "extreme" outdoors activities... AND it can be a damn fine way to avoid something asinine leading to a truly harrowing ordeal... or death. ;o)
I think they were going to, but they thought with the snow, it was just as dangerous as the trail they were just on.
Not that I'm disputing your general rather obvious logic(just because it's obvious doesn't mean it shouldn't still be given).
@@scourge8097 it's one of those moments that could pretty much happen to anybody. One bad decision can lead to this. I keep a kit in all my vehicles with supplies, Firestarter, medical gear, survival gear, food, water and flares in all my vehicles for these circumstances. I have at least 5 gallons of water in my semi and at least 2 weeks worth off food that could last a month if I rationed.
@@justanotherotrguy I didn't see your story the first time.
Yeah, that's good advice. Advice I probably don't follow as well now as I used to. I go up to Northern Wisconsin a few times a year from just outside Milwaukee and...even the difference in that ~340 miles is pretty significant. I keep an army blanket and a few other things in the trunk, but I'm not on the road quite as much as you.
@@scourge8097 yea it's just a smart thing to do. If you're gonna be traveling through remote areas in cold or hot weather, it won't hurt to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Worst thing that could happen is that you don't need to use it and it took up space lol
That was heartbreaking. Literally got teary eyed at the end.
Usually, I have a steel "ear" so to speak. But maaan... this one got me.
RIP James Kim. You did it. You saved your girls and wife. Your efforts and struggles did not go unnoticed. You should be proud and know that you can watch over your family forever. You died honorably and they are safe because you are a hero for saving your family.
I'm sure James would make the same decision again seeing as his footprints were what saved his family. A true warrior.
Also, shout out to the friend of the family that reported them missing. They, along with James, saved 3 lives.
A warrior only dies one death before they die while a cowered will die a thousand deaths before they die
@@onetalkerone4829 *coward
It does amaze me though just how many people over the years probably could've been saved by a friend or family noticing their absence, but not acting on it, thinking "oh I'm sure everything is fine", when in reality, if you notice someone missing, and it's uncommon, act on your suspicions, report them missing asap. Worst case scenario, some police/rescue units go out and waste their time cause everything is fine, but that's literally the point of their job, is to be able to come to that determination one way or the other. Best case scenario, they get a head start on finding someone in a life or death situation.
Even if his footprints hadn't been what saved his family, leaving was still the right decision. Normally when you're lost, you're supposed to stay put until rescuers can find you. But this search area was so remote and so big, that by leaving he basically doubled their chances of survival. If he'd stayed, they would've been hoping rescuers would run across their car. By leaving, he changed this to hoping rescuers would run across the car or him. Twice the odds of being found.
@@michaell.4730 When you go boating, you're supposed to make a float plan and give it to a family member. Description of who's going, where you're going, when you expect to return. If you can't make the return time, you contact the person you filed the float plan with and explain how late you expect to be. That way if you do run into trouble and miss the return time, the search can begin within a few hours of your expected return time. Not a few days later.
In a scenario like this one, you'd tell your neighbor that you'll be back by Sunday night. And that you'll call to give him a new ETA if you decide to stay away longer.
When you have young children, you don’t EVER start your road trip at 9:00 pm. Especially if you’re in unfamiliar territory. These two parents seriously doomed their family from the start. It was one bad decision after another. And who keeps sleeping in the car during high stress situations?! Help your partner pay attention to the road, weather conditions, and read the map! Geez. Such unnecessary risks and death. RIP James.
I’ve driven bear camp. I did it once in perfect weather. It was scary as hell. I’ve driven through blizzards in complete white out and I had to be 110% for bear camp. He’s not joking, it’s right on a cliff. I’ve driven several little road ways like that, and it’s always terrifying when the cliff is something you can see down. I’ve had to do the open door move, just driving forward.
Why open the door when you can just stick your head out the window and keep both hands on the wheel? I'm assuming you're not very good at parking?
@@ZJS0113 sus Amogus 😳
@@IDontLikeHandIes don't know what you mean, pal.
@@ZJS0113 Sticking your head out with hands on the wheel is singlehandedly the stupidest thing you can do in any cliffside situation, in fact thats the one thing you should not do besides something more stupid like being drunk.
@@ZJS0113 Sussy baka 🤔🤔🤔
That's a testament to a true loving father who sacrificed himself in pure torture to save his family. That's so sad but courageous and I also think this man should be featured on every news platform, because the world needs to recognize him as the amazing superhuman that he was. Godless that family.
🙏🏾🙏🏾
The pilot did not find his footprints, this detail was made up by mr.Ballen so the asian guy doesn't look like a complete idiot.
@@gregorteply9034 Ok buddy sure, you're just jealous that the Asian man has been far more successful in life than you ever will be.
Absolutely
@@thecomedypilot5894 I am jealous of him being dead, sure, bud.
A brave man. The love a man has for his family is always stronger than fear.
Well.... not all men. But the good ones- yes.
@@TTerilee yes
@@TTerilee it takes a real special kind of person to use this as an opportunity to trash any man... your own personal choices are what should be in question not the man. Absolutely disgusting display of humanity on your part and it definitely has nothing to do with your own experiences because you still had to make the choice. Yes I am assuming without knowing because you took this as the opportunity to be vile.
In this day and age most "men" are not "Men". These are the days that guys wear their sisters clothing.
@@garryjohnson9328 is you real name......Karen? Lol
I’m from the Bay Area and I remember when this happened. It was heartbreaking. His wife did a tribute for him in Golden Gate Park over by the De Young at the amphitheater there. She spoke so highly of him and with so much love.
That’s a father any child could be proud of...
Rest In Peace sir
Let this be a lesson to STAY ON THE ROAD
No he was a dumbass and put their life’s on risk to save some time.
proud of my dad who died who abandoned me as a baby because he couldn't read a map and went walkabout through freezing rivers instead of staying on the actual road back to civilisation and that's after his stupidity put them in the situation . the guy is not a hero or somebody to be proud of. he risked his families life and then died . just thankfully his mistakes never cost them their lives too .
@@jimmyfaulkner5746, people are only reacting like that because there were kids involved, a purely emotional thing. A lot of comments are stating, "as a dad", "as a mom", "my kids this and that". He made a mistake after mistake after mistake. And the other videos, especially the one where his wife narrates, are painting an even worse picture of him.
I remember this story and it changed how we traveled since then. We have been carrying go bags within all of our vehicles for such a long time now. I know for sure that anyone using one of my vehicles will survive for 1 week or longer if needed (clothing, food and gear). Everyone traveling through wilderness areas needs one in their car.
If you can afford it, look into SAT-phones too. May or may not be something everyone thinks is worth the expense but could prove useful in unexpected situations.
@@amberscarbrough3654 u can get the ones that only text for a lot cheaper
@@HartPv Yup. $400 for the unit and then $19/month for the cheapest plans. It's worth it. You can even go cheaper, but I'd prefer having a full GPS unit that can send detailed texts, rather than just a beacon type thing.
@@Rendarth1 oh that will great for when I go hiking alone- Always worry how to call if something happens and I can’t walk or get bitten by a snake or whatever.
Excellent ❤✝️❤
Oh god, this had a lump in my throat. He tried so damn hard for his family and he did save them, he just never knew. Poor guy, poor family.
Definitely my favorite Mr. Ballen story yet. Take action earlier when you have more energy and are of more sound mind. Being a father myself, I can only imagine his agony. RIP.
"The helicopter pilot would never have found Katie and the girls if it wasn't for those footprints"
James ultimately saved his families life at the cost of his own... This is the first time I cried watching a MrBallen video. Thanks for another great story.
I'll admit, he has had some rough ones, but yeah this is the first that brought me to tears. I was about to watch it at work but decided to watch something else and save this till I got home. Im thankful I did
I'm just glad that he was able to get done what he wanted to get done, even if it wasn't through the methods he was expecting. He set out to save his family, and save his family he did. I'm sure he knew before he left that his chance of death was very high, but he felt he needed to try for the sake of his family. It's sad that there are a lot of fathers out there who would never do so much for their family. He was a true father and husband. May he rest in peace.
I appreciate this comment. At about the halfway point I paused the video wondering if I should finish it because I don't want to watch a video where a couple of sweet kids passed away.
Same here, he does all of these stories justice. And no one tells them the way he does because...he's just good at it. This story is amazing.
It ain’t my first and defiantly not the last time I cry
As tragic as this story is, I was expecting all of them to perish and I was so happy to find out that Kati and the kids were saved! It is bittersweet knowing that it was his footprints that led to their rescue. I'm sure James would be incredibly happy to know this. I hope they are doing well now.
Same, since he has the story I was expecting something even more tragic like the two kids and possibly one of the adults dying from dehydration or freezing to death and the surviving spouse being found after their family had died. I was so happy to hear that the kids and wife survived, even though it is really tragic that they lost their dad and she lost her husband.
@@ToothBrush531 It is still really tragic but so bittersweet to know that the other 3 survived.
I will tell you a trick for other stories; if mr ballen tells detales, and there are no recordings (like video recordings or notes), be sure someone will survive in the end :)
Spoilers
@@tonikoqi448 Good trick! I will look out for that.
This story gives me chills. My ex wife and I got stuck almost exactly like this. If it wasn't for the kindness of some people, we'd be dead
Do you know where is bell canyon?
God Bless you!!
@@terrishepherd3266 god did bless him with the terrible situation they were in. Can you not read?
@@xA-Ax Do one Good Deed Today And Try not to Insult anyone. Have a Blessed Day
@@terrishepherd3266 I hope you try using your brain someday. Oh wait, your god didn't give you one!
My husband and I tried to take a "short cut" once... never again. We had been delayed on a trip sooo many times that it added days to our drive home. When the freeway suddenly stopped moving completely, and it looked like it was going to be that way for miles, we tried to turn off the freeway and find an alternate route. But it was nighttime, and we were in the middle of the desert. We were near a native reservation, so we thought there would be other roads, and we found one that a few other cars were driving on, which was parallel to the freeway. I had a bad feeling from the start, but my husband was like, "It will be fine." It was not fine. The road started out paved, and lit, and had several other cars but the road progressively got worse and worse until it was not a road at all, there were no lights, no other cars, and it kept getting deeper into the trenches and then further away from the freeway. At one point, it turned into a hiking trail, and we were literally pushing through the brush with our car. But by that time, we were afraid to stop because we thought we would get stuck in the loose dirt, and we were in the middle of nowhere... so we kept driving... until there wasn't anywhere we could turn around, even if we wanted to, because the trail was too narrow and rocky. At one point the trail became steep with cliffs that were only probably 10 feet deep, but deep enough that if you ended up in one you might get seriously hurt. We were afraid we were going to drive off the edge of one of those cliffs, but just before we did the trail veered to the left and we ended up driving ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS. We couldn't turn off because there was a drop off on both sides. So we drove on the railroad tracks for a minute and prayed. A minute later the trail reappeared on the right side of the tracks so we drove off and continued to follow it. Not long after that the trail opened up and we found a real cross road that even had a gas station. My husband pulled over and we both literally started laughing hysterically... not the kind of laugh when you think something is funny, but a hysterical, out-of-our minds, relieved kind of laugh. It was like we had so much adrenaline built up in our bodies from shear terror that our bodies had to get rid of it somehow. It was not a pleasant moment. To this day we still don't know what happened to those other cars in front of us. We never saw them again. I'm afraid some of them might have driven off one of those cliffs.
This made me cry really badly. He loved his wife and children so much.
Not enough to to put their lives at risk
@Mann Person ppl r making out he's a hero but he clearly put his families lives at risk, if he had common sense he wouldn't have ended up in that situation
@@d1user It wasnt just him, most of the decisions made were either made by both parents or sounded the most logical in the moment (example: continuing the drive over the mountian. Hindsights 20/20, yes he should have turned around, but in that moment simply continuing the drive seemed like the most logical and comoaratively safer option). None of the decisions were made out of a misplaced ego or deliberate pride, and therefore have no effect on the massive amount of love and adoration this man had for his family. Natures a beast that will rip your and yours to shreds, and unfortunately sometimes things simply dont work out when dealing with it.
Also no ones "making him out to be a hero", he *is* one, as his pathway is directly responsible for the rescue of his family.
TLDR: This is not only a gross stance to take, but a highly simplified and inaccurate one.
@@bluebay1031 regardless of who decided with him, he was part of the decision. He chose to drive through mountains in the dark and snow, no one put a gun to his head.
He probably wanted to save time and fuel money, hence he didn't go back.
He was in the drivers seat, he was in control so its his fault.
@@d1user That means her fault not just his
The most shocking part of this entire video to me is the fact that he covered 16 miles. 16 friggin miles?! Are you kidding me? In THAT environment? That dude was an absolute beast.
The love of a parent goes above and beyond when their children are in danger. Not knowing if his family would make it out alive had to be the worst feeling before he lost his life.
I couldn’t handle a 15 mile dirt bike ride as a teen in 80 degree perfect weather.
He had strong will power to save his family.
If you think your kids might die of starvation or hypothermia, then a father will literally perform superhuman feats to try to save them --- I bet Kim was doing stuff that special forces guys can't do in a wilderness situation
Sixteen miles on the AT in one day in the summer is brutal if you are not in good shape.
He wasn’t just a father, he was a true ‘dad’. He gave his life for his beloved wife and daughters......and he DID save them in the end. Sleep well, James. 🌺
Brilliantly told as usual. Your story telling is so good. One could never be bored listening to you.
He looks pretty good also.
@@amberlilly4101 ;)
He will be in heaven now, not 'sleeping'' that sounds depressing ,just saying.
A father is more than just a dad. Got it backwards lol
@@bridgetmonica31 sounds more realistic than heaven to me.
The relief I felt when the mom and kids were found. It felt sick in my stomach while listening to the story. Dad is absolutely a hero..I pray he knows that.
The saddest part is that James never knew his family had been saved. He never got that closure. But still he pressed on until he literally dropped dead with a mission to save them. Absolutely heart breaking and also absolutely legendary.
Of he is with Jesus now, he knows that his family is save
@SuperNostalgia. what does that have to do with anything. also eternal life seems kinda mid ngl
Eternal life being mid 😂😂😂 this has me weak
This was devastating. Their love transcends all. I feel so terrible for the woman and her children. She had such a wonderful husband.
We all know now, that real men do exist. Really, to be loved that much is really special, and it exists nowadays. WOW ! If you ever wondered if it is a thing of the past. NOPE ! 😍😇👌🙏🤝👀
She was not very wonderful back, and IMHO, did not honor his life and memory well. Within a month of this, she was out dating, making disparaging comments about James being short, and being an all around b.
@@jong7513 what?👀
Right..a good man dies when there are all these cheating abusing snots in the world
@@jong7513 thats freaking horrible..if true
This was so depressing. I hope his kids know he’s a hero and saved their lives
Yes
😭😭😭
U gave away the ending jerk lol
@@storminthewoods Then dont read the comments first
@@TheRealLilPp I've learnt that lesson I never read the comments till I've watched it .
In every man is a warrior, and this man unlocked his full potential to save his family. Rest easy brother. Had he done something this fantastic in the line of military duty, I have no doubt he would have been gifted the medal of honor.
I remember when this happened. We all thought it was crazy that someone tried to go over the pass in the winter. I enjoy taking bear camp to Gold Beach and have a couple of mining claims in the bear camp area. The fact that he covered 16 miles off-road, after barely eating for a week and in the winter up there is insane.
I lived in grants pass for a long while and thought the same thing. Fucking crazy someone walked thru Bear Camp
Do you know of any channels that make videos in this area? I'm curious of the area
@@knomesaynmafk4789 Just think thick, thick evergreen forest with small clearing with lots of poison oak.
@Mike Blair I found quite a bit on the internet. Maps, timeline etc. Idk I jyst get so curious with these stories and would like to know where they spent their last moments
@@knomesaynmafk4789 same here.
If he was my history teacher I would actually pay attention in class.
Lol this will be the top comment
Chacker
Fun fact my teacher played one of his videos during lunch before history class! It was about history :D
Girl me too!!! :D
Same
I think it’s important to share these types of stories.
When James leaves his family to look for help, first thing comes to mind........you can’t find a moving target.
i’ve lived in oregon my whole entire 19 years on this planet. i live in the siuslaw national forest . oregon does not keep up on are service roads , you have to be super careful especially out here in night and snow … oregon is a great place but please be careful when going into are forest
I lived in Idaho for a few years. Stationed there. Same thing in Idaho. Signs everywhere telling people not to use the Rd yet every year people had to be rescued
Imagine being one of those who broke and opened the gate, and then later hearing that someone died because of that.
Most vandals have no remorse for life. 😡
Those type of people don’t care at all.
@@liamrooney3298 yeah illegal logging is a thing in Oregon so its easy to blame vandals, although those fires were real shady though thousands of acres of harvestetable lumber was destroyed and guess what happened right after? Lumber prices go up and they blamed the riots in the cities. Remember when all the celebs screamed the Amazon rainforest is burning we need to do something!!!! Nah it was illegal loggers to push up prices for income and farmers burning out to create fertile crop land. All that said may Mr Kim rest in Peace and his wife and children find solace.
@@Leprechaun-qv6mo I don't know what part of Oregon you live in but illegal logging is not a "thing" in the part of Oregon where this occurred. I live in Grants Pass, Oregon, the closest city to the location of this incident.
@@FRLN500 I don’t live in Oregon or Washington but your fires were way too early for the fire season
Rest in Peace James Kim. Your daughters will never forget that moment nor your wife. You went out like a hero. Rest like a HERO!
And a hero he was. Rip James
That man is legend. Actual. He is the definition of resilient. RIP you absolute hero.
Wow Mr. Baller that was literally a tear jerker. James man, what a savage. As soon as u said he didn’t make it, instantly thought because of his footprints, though the helicopter dude found your family. And the literally that brought tears to my eyes brother. I hope James’s family is doing OK these days best they can hopefully living a happy life, and I appreciate you for telling such a powerful story thank you, sir.
One thing to keep in mind, always: it’s faster to go “the long way” on maintained, paved roads 99% of the time. It doesn’t matter if you have a 4WD, those gravel roads through the mountains are always a slog (if they’re not blocked entirely).
And always bring safety gear - I used to drive to places like this for my job and always had four days of food, warm clothes, sleeping bag, snowshoes and had a very good idea where I was and the safest & shortest way to walk out if necessary.
Amen. And just because your smartphone app shows a secret little back road that doesn't mean you or your truck are rated for it. Just saying
And weather changes FAST. Globally.
Passenger cars are made for paved roads:
I have traveled that area in the summer/fall & wouldn't consider driving it in good weather with anything less than a high ground clearance vehicle with a locking differential. In the winter you would need a SnowCat instead of a 4x4...
if there was 9 to 10 inches of packed snow, I not certain they wouldve been able to tell the difference between a paved or gravel/dirt road. As far as they knew, they were driving on snow and ice with poor visibility.
In a strange way, it’s inspiring what this ordinary man was able to do under extraordinary circumstances. It’s comforting to know that, ultimately, his venture forth, did in fact save his family.
Incredible guy.
And yet, if he hadn't veered off the main road, SAR would have found him and they would have all lived happily ever after. Stupid choices led him on a suicide mission.
@@evonnechi7029 I mean yeah sure. These are the obvious underlying facts any logical thinker can conclude with. However when something so tragic and unfortunate happens, such as losing someone close to you, you try and look at any positive take-away in order to find closure and peace. People also do this when they hear a heartbreaking story such as this one. Think about the heroes that went in and tried to save people during 911. These were all men and women with families of their own trying to save other people. We dont go about claiming that they were all on a suicide mission. Even though in a logical sense it was for many of them. I know these are two VERY different scenarios but the man deserves respect in the sense that he died trying to save his family. To be fair I dont agree with any of his choices except that he was doing what he thought was right. It's unfortunate that he wasn't educated enough to save his family. What some may consider "common sense" isn't necessarily so common to other people. RIP.
Don't want to be rude, but what exactly are you referring to when you say what he was able to do? He ventured out into the forest, got lost, and died. Yes he was courageous to try, but he decided to take an unknown path instead of backtracking on the road that they already knew. It was a critical mistake.
@@EduardO-gm7hx his superhuman efforts of climbing mountains in severe calorie deficit and suffering unimaginable pain and cold to keep going to save his family. He thought he would end up in that town if he just pushed on.....
What a person he was. Saving his family, showing how much he loved them..
Yessir made me wanna cry lol
he mustve been incredibly stupid even when not driving
@@leoross5777 Shut up, like seriously, your input was not necessary. Calling a dead man stupid, who ultimately died for his family is a dips--- move. Like seriously, who would do that?
@@leoross5777 Don't be a douche.
@@leoross5777 how was what he did stupid? simply doing nothing would of been equally as "stupid" as you say he was. He was smart and brave to do that, his actions led to the rescue of his family, though not intentional i'd still say that was pretty smart.
My husband and I never travel late at night with our 3 kids, it terrifies me if something like this happens. And we never go on roads that there’s nobody around. I can’t even image how terrified they were. So sorry for James.
Yes exactly. I feel the biggest mistake they made was deciding to start out later in the day in Oregon in such inclement weather.
James did exactly what he set out to do. He is a hero and deserves to be remembered as such. An incredibly sad story but one that is also representative of a man’s love for his family and the power that love can inspire.
🙏 Amen!
The best part of the Bible that describes love is the word longsuffering. Unfortunately we live in a time that love is considered to be bumping uglies with someone with the same genitals.
@@uselessmask3816 Tf is wrong with you?
@@Cupcakeonline what does "TF" mean? Taco farts?
@@uselessmask3816 the mask is useless we know you are gay. hense the homophobia that you need to spend part of your day commenting this on a completely unrelated subject.
This tale is nothing but tragic. At least the tragedy came from a father making the ultimate sacrifice for his family, and not the futility of an entire family's efforts to survive. He achieved a superhuman feat to see his family saved... and you know what? He succeeded.
Rest in peace, James. You deserve a hero's honor. Hopefully his kids know just what a badass their father really was.
What Zow said
Yeah what 👉@Zow stated. 😢
The footprints story is BS. They located the family by tracking their cellphone signal. If he’d have stayed with them, he would have survived
As tragic as this story is, it would have been so much worse if the entire family had died. Those two little girls will have a future because of their father's love and sacrifice, so it is someone bittersweet, depending on how you look at it.
I love how Mr. Ballen always makes sure to give some details about the people and their dynamic, it really helps you understand that these are real people this stuff happened to. You can really feel invested. This guy really gets it, he's a true storyteller.
My absolute favvvvvvv part about him ❤️
Yeah...it's not just a story like a movie or a TV show. You get a lot more invested. And for a man who's served and seen awful things, he manages to pull out the best parts of people. Even in this HORRIBLE story, James IS the hero who goes until he physically cannot go any further and just dies(but still saves his wife and family).
He should do a book of all of his pod casts and update it like he does his podcasts
i feel like he steps a bit too far into speculation territory though. he always tells the stories as if he knew the ppl personally or that he was actually there, which obviously he wasnt. of course its necessary to tell a riveting story but for me its also important to remember that what he says might not be 100% accurate
"If you got anything out if this story...."
Yeah, I got about 500 tears streaming down my face. What a sad story, but James is a hero man, jeez
My first thought was pretty much this
😭 same
I live in Oregon, this story shocked everyone who lives in this state. The man was a true hero to his family.
A true hero never would have put his family in this situation.
@@DaneOrschlovsky you think he knew better? He had never lived in that part of oregon and didnt know the area.
He was a father who genuinely cared for his kids and just because he was behind the wheel doesn’t mean he put them in that situation
@@LynDewey He only got there because he missed another turn earlier.
@@scallopohare9431 it was also pre GPS and everyone else in the car was sleeping. It’s not like he could have just pulled up the map in the middle of driving
@@LynDewey There are a lot of maybes. Maybe the woman could have stayed awake to help navigate. Maybe he could have turned around at the gate. Locked or not, a gate at the entrance to a thoroughfare means it is private. I agree with Dan Blonsky. And I would hope we can be grownups about it, because there will be another carful of people depending on the driver to make decisions that will detemine their lives.
The trackers said it was superhuman, and I believe that any father (or mother) who cared about their children that much would be able to do just about anything. So I’m not even surprised he covered all of that, because he believed he was his family’s last hope. This man is a hero
🙏🏻
Oh definitely. There's soooo many stories of parents doing things that would be considered "superhuman" in order to save their kids. I guess it's just something in the mind that lets you push past your body's regular limits. Love is a powerful thing
The whole point of the story…
Super stupid to get his family into that awful position in the first place.
@@Maverick-ne3mr I wouldn't put it that hard, however he died as the cause of a scary series of really bad decisions. So definitely not a hero
My dad couldn’t even afford to catch a 10 minute bus ride to me yall, I can’t fathom or even imagine the kinda love for his family this man effortlessly exuded. Especially for his daughters. ❤
I live in Seattle and I remember when they started looking for this family. It was very sad when they reported that James was found dead and my heart broke for his wife and daughters. Life is so fragile and unpredictable like that. A fun filled family trip for the holidays ends in such a tragic way. For his wife I’m sure she has spent many years thinking about all the things she wished they had done differently, all the endless regrets. I hope she has let go of that. That’s just life. It’s not always happy endings and growing old together. Sometimes it’s unfair and tragic, but that’s what makes it life. It’s an unknown journey full of emotions and experiences and we never know when it’ll be our last day. James gave it all he had and died trying to make sure his family survived. That’s pretty freaking heroic.
Very well said.
Only men are expected to die for their family. Its very sad.
Very very well said. I hope his daughters and wife know how much they really meant to him. Rest in peace James and God bless his family
Damn, imagine losing someone who loved you as much as James loved his family. Personally, I don't think I could remarry.
Amen... perfectly said. What a man he must have been. The power of love is a beautiful thing. What we will do and the lengths we will go. I pray she and her daughters have put this behind them and have moved on. I also pray that her daughters remember what their father did for them and live the best life they can to honor his memory.
That man's love for his families is other worldly. Literally went until he just dropped. Im sure his babies where the last thing he saw in his mind at the end.
Damn it. I had just stopped crying then I read your comment. So fkn sad😭
I so wish he had turned around gone back to his family . His footprints would have still been there and they would have all gotten rescued. Such a sad story 😪
@@rachelwilson6531 he had no way of knowing that though, sadly. 😭
Precious Family.... uggh
This should be made into a movie dedicated to the father for his bravery .
Poor james, a man will go to great lengths when it comes to his family and the people he loves. My grandpa always told me when i was growing up, you find out what youre truly made of when youre faced with adversity and have no way out. What James done was so honorable and i hope every step he took he was proud of himself because he may have lost his life but he saved his family, and his children will get to carry on his legacy.
james should have kept driving or doing something rather than just sticking around wasting gas
@Mandop21 Exactly! James and Katie made horrible decisions that led to next level stupidity. James, your instincts were way too late. I simply don't understand why you waited so long. May you rest in peace for trying.
how absolutely tasteless to speak directly to this dead man while insulting him and then tack on an RIP lol, for all we know his family could find this video
It was. He is a great man, but I can't help but get frustrated that they got lost in the first place because they wanted to take a shortcut, and he does the same thing again when he is walking to the town. He was so close to town ... And he deviated. There are some great qualities in men, but one of their weaknesses is taking risk and being too confident that nothing bad will happen. It is heartbreaking that his family will have to continue life without him.
@@BlackWidow00741to be fair, he probably stayed to protect his daughters and wife just in case anything happened with the snow or the bears. He also wanted to stay alive for them, in the beginning they really thought someone might save them, it wasn't until it was clear no one would that he had to make the decision.
Two instincts I wouldve had:
1. If you turn around, go back the exact way you came
2. If you get lost or stuck and your in the middle of nowhere...dont count on rescue or a plow truck...get out of there while you still have strength and food and fuel
3. Don't drive down a unmarked or unsigned road unless you know exactly where your going.
The big thing here is....why in the middle of the night would you go down a road that is unmarked?? This is tragic but these people shouldn't have been in that area.
As soon as you said "if this happened to my family, I'd want people to know" I knew it was the Kim family. I remember this so well. For a long time people thought GPS was to blame because James was such a tech guy and it was still a new-ish thing that made mistakes sometimes, but Kati disputed this and said they used a paper map.
Another thing that turned out to be wrong was that vandals were to blame for the gate being open. They ended up proving that the Bureau of Land Management had left it open on purpose so they wouldn't have to deal with opening it up for hunters and such that got trapped by it. James' father ended up suing them for negligence.
Yeah, me too.
That is so much worse
I’m glad he filed a lawsuit because that’s horrific
They didn't know wrong turn movie.. Mistakes cost life..
How tf did you know it was the Kim family as soon as he said "If this happened to my family, I'd want people to know"???
Of all the family tragedies that have occurred in history and you just happened to know based that?
You don't have to lie to kick it home skillet...
ive been binging mrballen's videos for the last few days but for some reason this is the one unnerved me the most even though it's not necessarily the most graphic or malicious...it just feels too real, like it can happen to anyone; ive definitely made a few bad turns on road trips that have led to terrible detours so this story maxes out my anxiety
also gonna use this time to say that your storytelling has been excellent. keep up the good work :)