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.
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.
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.
I remember one Christmas day, my wife and I decided to take the Jeep up into the Sandia Mountains (start elevation 6,000 ft, end elevation 10,500 ft) in a pretty good snowstorm. About 1/2 way up, we found this little old man in a 4-door sedan, who had slid off the trail and into the snow filled bank on the mountain-side of the trail. He was high-centered and in about 3 feet of snow. When we found him, he was just sitting in his car, doing nothing. I kind of suspect he had resigned himself to his fate. As an avid off-roader, I always have recovery straps, shovels, etc. in the Jeep. We dug him out and yanked the car back onto the trail. I then drove his car for a minute and got it pointed the right way. Then we sent him on his way. These days, when it snows, I still go out in my truck looking for people who may have gotten into trouble with the snow and help them out.
@ *Palanthis,* you most likely saved this man's _life._ He was praying for a miracle, and *GOD* sent you. What are the odds of someone coming along with the _exact equipment needed_ to dig him out, _as well as_ a vehicle _large_ enough to haul his own. Thank you for not only digging him out, but also for sticking with him for a bit to make sure he had his bearings. The fact that in your description, you weren't focusing on this guy's reaction to you (which I assume was probably extreme gratitude) tells me that you are truly a kind person not looking for kudos or attention. I hope you continue to do great things! 💯
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
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.
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.
@@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.
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 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😡😡😡😡😡
This sad story reminds me of the time one of my brothers drove from FL to MI with his two teen daughters to see his family. They stayed for about a week and my parents noticed the weather was going to get bad so said you should plan on leaving or staying later than planned. They had to get back for something so left. My mom insisted they take pillows and blankets, and gave them some heavy coats, since they didn't have any. My brother laughed about it and said sheesh there's not a lot of room for all this stuff!!! But my parents insisted. They headed out, the snow hit faster than was expected. They slid off the road and couldn't get out. No one was around. The blankets, boots, winter coats and gloves saved their lives. My mom had also packed food for them. They were stuck there for two days before a snow plow driver finally saw them.
My parents are the same way. I have always thought they were overly cautious, but seeing MrBallen's stories and this comment have made me realize they aren't over cautious. I suppose that just because things have always gone right, that doesn't mean there can't be fatal exceptions.
For me, the most depressing fact is: Even though his actions ultimately saved his family- he died likely thinking that he failed them and that they would die too.
Hope everyone who's watched this learns that when you miss a turn and decide to make a new route you shouldn't, just turn around and add the extra time.
@@bltn7469 that they were in such threatening conditions would have been enough to keep driving on adrenaline alone... then they never would have awakened to find conditions were much worse.
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.
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.
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
@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.
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.
@@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👍
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.
@@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.
This dude went 16 miles in frigid cold across streams and 4 mountains in 2 days. This man should always be remembered. Thanks to MrB he will be by millions
@Anonymous People will always do what they think is right, even if what they are doing isn't. I have so much respect for this man for what he THOUGHT was right for his family, yet no matter what, someone will say what he did was wrong. Obviously, it was BUT in his state and under his conditions and what they had been though, he was doing what he thought was best. How can you talk bad about someone like that? I know you arn't but it just makes me mad when people comment saying what he did was did was stupid... I mean have they ever been in that type of situation, of course not, so just ignore them. He died a hero, idc, what people say. 🙏👏
There should be a movie. Proceeds to benefit the family. If anyone knows any Hollywood types producers directors writers etc see just that they all go to Mr Ballen's channel for story ideas
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.
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. 😔
@@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 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.
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.
This episode is the reason I stopped watching "I survived" its heartbreaking. There is an episode of Survivorman on youtube where Les Stroud does a very similar emergency situation and shows you how to survive. The best advice is always go back the way you came, dont keep pressing on. No matter how many hours of a drive you have at least you know saftey is behind you.
@@cl1cka its easy for me to speculate from the saftey of my warm living room but what I took from that episode of survivorman was dont wait until you lose all your energy sitting in a car. Backtrack the first day on foot if you have to, rip the car to pieces to pad your clothes and shoes to stay warm. It's a very interesting episode, that being said I would have for sure died in my car.
When dealing with remote roads and harsh conditions, ALWAYS follow your gut if you get a bad feeling about a road. Don't go around another bend. Go back the way you came and take the route you know.
Exactly. I know the original way back had its issues, but at least they knew what to expect. I knew it would be a bad outcome when they decided to keep moving forward on a different road they had never been on. I'm surprised they decided to choose the new road after experiencing what they did that required them to return to the fork in the road to begin with. I know they thought it was safer because the road was wider, but that should have raised some flags. Usually the "easiest" routes end up being the most treacherous.
Tbh one of his videos got recommended to me and it looked interesting so I watched it, and now I’m addicted to watching his videos lmao. They’re just so interesting!
This road reminds me of Independence Pass in Colorado. My wife and I took this road on the last day of the season and it started to snow when we reached the summit. I've never been so terrified in my life. I white knuckled it all the way down the mountain while our car kept slipping. I will never take another mountain pass road unless it's warm, sunny, and 100% dry. Even then, having no guard rails is still terrifying during the day because you can see how far you'll fall if you make a mistake or your brakes give out.
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.
It was actually a helicopter pilot who found the family based on cell phone triangulation. If you read the real story, there’s no mention of footprints helping in the search at all. Cool story though.
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 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.
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.
Dude.. I've never cried over a story like this before.. that last line about james just killed me.. just to think that he didnt know if they would ever be saved while he was dying..
Was just thinking this. I'm from Michigan but moved to Oregon, and like.. at least where I am, there's maybe 1 to 2 weeks of light snow. There are no plow trucks, even when there should be. It's crazy to me. Always make sure to have blankets and coats in the car, extra battery jumper, etc. It's scary when there's a white out.
Me too and I live where we don't routinely get a lot of snow but when we did my husband and I were stuck (at home unable to get out but at least we had a roof over us) and lost power for almost two weeks.
I walked a mile in a foot of snow to get to my place of work, on mostly level ground, and I thought THAT was difficult. What James managed to do is incredible. At another time, I was walking on a frozen lake where there was kind of a tourist trail to safely walk on. I deviated from the trail a little bit, to see if I could take a shorter path that had not been leveled by peoples' feet. The snow got to above my knees and I was only able to go about 15-20 feet before I started to feel truly exhausted and had to turn around. I was in no actual danger and had nothing motivating me except curiosity, but I know how difficult snow can be.
As someone who grew up in ND, hearing that they went on rural highways during winter, that he was in streetwear (no winter clothes), or that the only emergency thing they had was a spare tire makes me think of how brave or ignorant they were. I guess it is just the thought of going somewhere like that where I don't know the terrain without anything freaks me out. I've driven through plenty of full on blizzards on interstate to get to college with unplowed roads at decent speeds, but I always did stupid things knowing exactly what I could do to survive if needed. That father is brave as hell though, so although I would have preferred him making many tracks around the car leading back to the car (since they had the right idea of getting the attention of pilots), in a situation like that, when you don't know the right course of action, I can't really say much.
Also, 20-30 walking for many miles isn't necessarily as bad as you think, especially when you are running on adrenaline and strong motivation. But I'm saying that as someone wearing full winter gear or even snow pants. The fact that he did this in any form of clothing that easily absorbs water is insane. It doesn't just steal your body heat or make it easier to freeze. While it is destroying your limbs from freezing, it is also weighing you down.
😢 people like me who were raised in Urban areas do not understand the dangers of the outdoors. Only now in my 30s would I see these videos and get a sense. Generally we only anticipate our car breaking down and then expect to ask for help on phone or someone passing by. Our schools and colleges teach us about Maths and Physics but don't teach hypothermia, hyperthermia, how situations add up to death with cumulative wrong choices. I dnt need to solve equations when in reality we cn get stuck in 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
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. ❤️❤️
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
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.
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.
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
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.
@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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
It's insane how unlucky they were. Deadly narrow road, no signs on the roads, hooligans breaking the gate, snow trapping them in an isolated area, no cellphone reception and fucking bears. That's really fucking rough.
It had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with extremely poor judgment. Even if you aren't familiar with an area, there's still plenty of common sense things they completely missed. The road you've been on is the road you know, backtrack and you're home free.
@@maggsbufton1969 Bad judgement is not going back same way you came and taking an unknown rd n not turning around. Curse/spiritual attack is having animals taunt you while a persistent storm is occurring. When most animal hide during storms. That's just unnatural. Anyone who can't see that is in denial.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
@@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.
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.
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
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.
The fact that he was hungry and starving for days yet still abled to cover 16 miles just for the sake of his family and saving them is truly unbelievable. The man kept on going to find help cuzz he knew good news is the only event after which he should meet his family and bring them that
How is taht what u learned don't go in to a cave if u need shelter and it si heavy snowing u go in to a cave and wait or u get shelter if u need wilderness training to go in the woods I wouldn't go in teh woods if I were u it si comon since u don't need ttaing to go in the mountains or wood u just need conon secret
He missed a road, made bad decisions put them at risk got lost again even with a map. Not prepared , no warm clothes in winter with snow storms . Walks into a deep ravine and dies. That’s not a hero. Even I carry a bag in the car with warm clothes and I don’t live anywhere near as severe as this.
@@pj4433 apparently YOU missed the entire point of the story. IF he had not left, made those tracks... his family would NOT have survived. He is a HERO.
@@isntthatspecial3316 right back at you if he had not left and got list yet again even with a map by trying to yet again take a disastrous shortcut he wouldnt be dead, hero’s don’t nearly get their families killed by making disaster bad decisions over and over and never learning. Who but an idiot drives into snow with summer cloths? You can spin this however you want for feels but the facts are the guy was a twat and that’s why he’s dead.
@@pj4433 if they had not decided to eat at Denny's this would never have happened. If they had not gone on this trip this would never have happened. If they had not married this would never have happened. If their parents didn't birth them this would never have happened. You don't get to backtrack to things that has happened and use the word "if" to justify the reason the family would be saved. But him leaving his trails after he left the car is what ultimately saved his family. He didn't know that he, in actual fact, had saved his family. He probably, very likely, till his last breath, thought he didn't and couldn't save his family, and for him to die believing he failed his family, is probably the most tragic thing out of it.
@@kenhew4641 argument by absurdity. None of those things are remotely related to taking an unknown mountain trail with no warm clothes. If you don’t know that then there is no help for you. Work on your critical thinking.
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!
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.
James's footprints helped his family get rescued. He is a hero. I'm so glad the babies are ok. I'm sure they will grow to remember their dad as the loving man he was.
@@freeeggs3811 it's easier to point out mistakes from a comfortable place. The negative person you are, you will definitely leave behind your family to die in any kind of danger.
@@freeeggs3811 I'm sure YOU have made plenty of stupid mistakes, some that have put yourself or others at risk. So stop trying to victim blame him. You're not perfect. He made a mistake and paid with his life, that is enough. His family is ok and that is enough.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
@@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 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.
@@TotalContemplation 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.
Another person, a older man died the same way on a similiar road east from there on the cascade mountain range, he took his camper and pickup truck down a logging highway as a short cut when he got 40 miles in, the forestry rangers locked the entrence to that highway for the winter with out checking the road. the man survived weeks in his camper in the snow banks untill he died and was found by snowmobilers. he was a few miles from someones lodge.
"if this were to happen to me and to my family i would want people to know about it, so hopefully i can do it (the story) justice" Mr Ballen demonstrates a level of care and respect for each protagonist of every single story. Knowing the stories are true, makes Ballen's unique form of story telling/tribute, all the more poignant
If you have the option to either backtrack or take a new path you don't know to get somewhere. Never ever under any circumstances take the path you know nothing about. Go back the way you came because you have already proven that it is safe enough to traverse.
It’s hard to say that though; when backtracking would’ve only led him back to his car. And to the death of his entire family in his eyes. You only have the warmth & energy reserves after days of no food? To make one Hail Mary trip Only one. And actually have a chance at surviving it. So, in James’ mind, there WAS no turning back. Turning back wouldve spelt death for his family in his mind There was only one real option inevitably for James
@@Theyeti17 no no no. You're talking about when he was walking. I'm talking about waaaaay before that when it started snowing in the first place and he backtracked to the fork in the road where he decided to take a road that wasn't on the map and he didn't know where it went. He was already concerned about the snow so he should've taken the path that he knew for certain led back to the highway instead of a random road he could only guess about.
If you’re ever in Oregon in winter, be aware that only main roads are plowed in winter. I’ve been over that road in summer, but in winter it’s impassible. Many roads in Oregon are impassible in winter. There have been people who have gotten stuck out there and not found til spring.
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
@@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.
I once found myself going down a sketchy dirt road at night in northwest Arkansas. I went back the way I came after 5 miles of nothing but trees everywhere. I’m ex-military, grew up camping and had spent years in that area. Things can change fast, going back is often the best thing to do.
@@MorzeCode I was going from Fort Smith to Mountain Home if I remember right. I did a lot of driving in that area back then. I think it was 2007 or 2008 and I was using a garmin gps that sent me down that road. Lol
Thanks for bringing up being ex-military. You were trained to deal with discomfort and adversity. You can endure the cold and wet with the best of them. Even with specific training, being stranded in extreme winter weather, though, is a guaranteed end if you aren't extremely disciplined or fortunate. I'm glad I watched this but I watched it in terror as a worst nightmare scenario: stranded, lost, no gear, no planning (for disaster), no comms, young kids... Ex-solo range hiker. Ex-Army. Dug-in mid-winter in Canada under dire temperature conditions. Winter Warfare exercise gone awry. Lost able bodies to hypothermia in the dark. No evac possible. Vietnam-era gear and winter coats, boots, all barely effective. Under these stresses and hypothermic conditions, people start not to think clearly and can hallucinate or shut down. We couldn't let anyone sleep or even be alone. All anyone wanted to do was sleep: hypothermia sets in and the magical thinking of sleep bringing comfort or escape. I have seen what happens in the hours and minutes leading to an end by freezing and it is as terrifying as could be imagined. It takes exceptional focus to...not die, frankly. The best substitutes are experience and companions with experience. Back to the video. They are stuck and I am terrified. They have each other...and a car...and some fuel...and cell phones... And yet with each passing minute, I am more terrified! Thank you well-tuned narration and well-paced writing! Also, despite collective thoughts of chasing away fear with alcohol...? No: alcohol is death at -40 (F or C...it's mathematically and literally the same).
"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.
Regardless of religious beliefs, it’s very disheartening to think that he collapsed and died thinking he failed his family when in reality, his decision to go find help was the only thing that saved them😭😭😭
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 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.
@@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.
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.
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 :)
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 :)
He failed them by putting his family in that position in the first place. His last actions may have ultimately saved them, but the situation was entirely avoidable.
They would have found them either way. The footsteps may have helped. They were looking for a car on the known road. They would have found her. They were at a well Known junction in the road. But….. he is indeed a hero. An impatient man taking needless Risks to save time in a snow storm. But a good man none the less. A true hero.
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.
He nearly killed them. He drove into a snow storm without even a warm coat. He took unknown mountain roads. He’s not a hero he’s a total fool. Not a hero at all.
@@pj4433 fool and hero are not opposites. One could be both. He may be responsible for getting then into the situation, but he did what he could to get then out. And it can be argued his actions at the end led to his families survival.
@@pj4433 you like bringing up the ''he wasn't prepared'' bit no shit you cant predict all outcomes he also didn't have a flare gun the point is he fought for his family i'm guessing you've only fought for a piece of pizza
@@pj4433 um excuse me?! People make mistakes. How dare you. He is a hero because he gave his life tryjng to save his family after he mistakenly got them in that situation. Don't judge unless you're absolutely perfect and make no mistakes at all in your life.
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
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.
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.
@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.
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.
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
and what if you lose the way and get confused and continue going in the wrong direction? that happens very often yk.. you cant think rationally when youre going through so much stress and when youre on the verge of losing your life as well as your loved ones.
@@meenakshimurali1 well in this case, they knew the way back. But unfortunately chose not to take it at 1st fork, then at a 2nd fork chose to go further again instead of turn back. So the point is, if you are faced with that choice, remember this story to learn from them, and go back to the highway if you know how, even if itll take hours. Tje fact that ppl get irrational when stressed (their lives were not in danger when they made the decisions, but they were stressed) is exactly why we need to remember it as an adage "when in doubt return the way you came from civilization, if you know it".
@@juliaszybowicz7709 yea, I think it's natural for ppl to want to go forward too and hope it's going to be better, but this really drives home to go with what you know. So sad.
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.
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
I remember one Christmas day, my wife and I decided to take the Jeep up into the Sandia Mountains (start elevation 6,000 ft, end elevation 10,500 ft) in a pretty good snowstorm. About 1/2 way up, we found this little old man in a 4-door sedan, who had slid off the trail and into the snow filled bank on the mountain-side of the trail. He was high-centered and in about 3 feet of snow. When we found him, he was just sitting in his car, doing nothing. I kind of suspect he had resigned himself to his fate. As an avid off-roader, I always have recovery straps, shovels, etc. in the Jeep. We dug him out and yanked the car back onto the trail. I then drove his car for a minute and got it pointed the right way. Then we sent him on his way.
These days, when it snows, I still go out in my truck looking for people who may have gotten into trouble with the snow and help them out.
✌🏼OIIIIIIIO
You are doing a great job ...you are the hope of light . 🕯️
@ *Palanthis,* you most likely saved this man's _life._ He was praying for a miracle, and *GOD* sent you. What are the odds of someone coming along with the _exact equipment needed_ to dig him out, _as well as_ a vehicle _large_ enough to haul his own. Thank you for not only digging him out, but also for sticking with him for a bit to make sure he had his bearings. The fact that in your description, you weren't focusing on this guy's reaction to you (which I assume was probably extreme gratitude) tells me that you are truly a kind person not looking for kudos or attention. I hope you continue to do great things! 💯
you are a true hero for being one of the few people who continuously risk your life in order to save others who got stranded
Wow I are amazing and yes we can always help anyone
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.
😂😂😂😂
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.
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.
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.
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😡😡😡😡😡
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 .
This sad story reminds me of the time one of my brothers drove from FL to MI with his two teen daughters to see his family. They stayed for about a week and my parents noticed the weather was going to get bad so said you should plan on leaving or staying later than planned. They had to get back for something so left. My mom insisted they take pillows and blankets, and gave them some heavy coats, since they didn't have any. My brother laughed about it and said sheesh there's not a lot of room for all this stuff!!! But my parents insisted. They headed out, the snow hit faster than was expected. They slid off the road and couldn't get out. No one was around. The blankets, boots, winter coats and gloves saved their lives. My mom had also packed food for them. They were stuck there for two days before a snow plow driver finally saw them.
Your mom is an Angel , she knew better , i am glad to know your story has à happy ending💓💓
My parents are the same way. I have always thought they were overly cautious, but seeing MrBallen's stories and this comment have made me realize they aren't over cautious.
I suppose that just because things have always gone right, that doesn't mean there can't be fatal exceptions.
I read a story similar years ago and always have emergency supplies, especially in the winter.
There's nothing like a good mother.
That's a great story. I lived in NY for a long time. I always kept a snow suit in the car just in case.
For me, the most depressing fact is: Even though his actions ultimately saved his family- he died likely thinking that he failed them and that they would die too.
I'm sure he knows now they're safe...
@@sloth6480 no, he’s dead.
@@sloth6480 ain’t no afterlife
@@bayabooz4855 Spoiler alert !
@@bayabooz4855 dont force your beliefs on other people
This is the saddest story ive heard on your channel. Its sad, but also bittersweet. You saved your family after all!
Hope everyone who's watched this learns that when you miss a turn and decide to make a new route you shouldn't, just turn around and add the extra time.
I mean unless you traveling in a well populated area and there are multiple easily accessible routes to take.... sure.
3 wrong turns!
And stopping to sleep in a running car is never a good choice either.
@@smorgdonkey well unless your traveling on a well populated interstate with rest areas .....
@@bltn7469 that they were in such threatening conditions would have been enough to keep driving on adrenaline alone... then they never would have awakened to find conditions were much worse.
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.
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.
That's so bittersweet. He left to save his family and he did, but he died having no idea they would end up being saved.
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👍
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.
This dude went 16 miles in frigid cold across streams and 4 mountains in 2 days. This man should always be remembered. Thanks to MrB he will be by millions
Do you think he would of made it if he would of tried it a few days earlier?
@@willcress7048 Of course he would have, they just made the wrong choices but in situations like this, it's hard to make the exact right decision.
He'll be remembered by me as an idiot who simply had to just turn the car around right when they started to wonder which way to go.
@Anonymous People will always do what they think is right, even if what they are doing isn't. I have so much respect for this man for what he THOUGHT was right for his family, yet no matter what, someone will say what he did was wrong. Obviously, it was BUT in his state and under his conditions and what they had been though, he was doing what he thought was best. How can you talk bad about someone like that? I know you arn't but it just makes me mad when people comment saying what he did was did was stupid... I mean have they ever been in that type of situation, of course not, so just ignore them. He died a hero, idc, what people say. 🙏👏
There should be a movie. Proceeds to benefit the family. If anyone knows any Hollywood types producers directors writers etc see just that they all go to Mr Ballen's channel for story ideas
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🥀🥀🥀
😂😂😂😂
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 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 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.
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.
This episode is the reason I stopped watching "I survived" its heartbreaking. There is an episode of Survivorman on youtube where Les Stroud does a very similar emergency situation and shows you how to survive.
The best advice is always go back the way you came, dont keep pressing on. No matter how many hours of a drive you have at least you know saftey is behind you.
Same thing with me, I realized pretty quickly on that this was the one episode of I survived
The problem with that was - the road back was now covered in snow and it was really narrow and dangerous to back. That's the reason they didn't.
@@cl1cka They had time to be careful
@@cl1cka its easy for me to speculate from the saftey of my warm living room but what I took from that episode of survivorman was dont wait until you lose all your energy sitting in a car. Backtrack the first day on foot if you have to, rip the car to pieces to pad your clothes and shoes to stay warm. It's a very interesting episode, that being said I would have for sure died in my car.
Also, never let your fuel tank get below half full in winter. Ever.
When dealing with remote roads and harsh conditions, ALWAYS follow your gut if you get a bad feeling about a road. Don't go around another bend. Go back the way you came and take the route you know.
Exactly never try to look for a new route if you don't know one you'll just end up getting lost. Always retrace your steps
Exactly. I know the original way back had its issues, but at least they knew what to expect. I knew it would be a bad outcome when they decided to keep moving forward on a different road they had never been on. I'm surprised they decided to choose the new road after experiencing what they did that required them to return to the fork in the road to begin with. I know they thought it was safer because the road was wider, but that should have raised some flags. Usually the "easiest" routes end up being the most treacherous.
This also applies to jogging and biking & all outdoor sports.
I'm a big advocate of turn back if you don't feel like you're where you should be. Ask for directions if there's no cell service.
Damn if only they had you there
I swear to god everyone who watches ballen has found him by accident
Agree... 👍🏼
Nope a friend told be to watch him and I haven't missed an episode since
Tbh one of his videos got recommended to me and it looked interesting so I watched it, and now I’m addicted to watching his videos lmao. They’re just so interesting!
I meant to click on a different video but got this and now I love his videos LAMO
I had a coworker tell me about him.
This road reminds me of Independence Pass in Colorado. My wife and I took this road on the last day of the season and it started to snow when we reached the summit. I've never been so terrified in my life. I white knuckled it all the way down the mountain while our car kept slipping. I will never take another mountain pass road unless it's warm, sunny, and 100% dry. Even then, having no guard rails is still terrifying during the day because you can see how far you'll fall if you make a mistake or your brakes give out.
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
James was a very brave man. His footprints ultimately saved his family. RIP James.
bye James
@@camerontaylor7985 TAKE THAT BACK RIGHT NOW😡
@@erickc5617 take what back?
It was actually a helicopter pilot who found the family based on cell phone triangulation. If you read the real story, there’s no mention of footprints helping in the search at all. Cool story though.
@@peteranderson92 :0 wha-
“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
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.
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 🤣🤣
Dude.. I've never cried over a story like this before.. that last line about james just killed me.. just to think that he didnt know if they would ever be saved while he was dying..
oh im sure he knows
Same here, manly Dad tears of course.
I believe God may have reassured him that they would due to his selfless actions. Still very sad I agree.
@@ricknendepa6633 tears don't have to be gendered js
@@alexarias5717 Meant no offense to anyone. Just making fun of myself while having a little cry.😊✌️🏽
People who don’t live in a cold climate and routinely deal with snow have no idea how dangerous it is. I’ve literally got stuck in my own driveway.
Was just thinking this. I'm from Michigan but moved to Oregon, and like.. at least where I am, there's maybe 1 to 2 weeks of light snow. There are no plow trucks, even when there should be. It's crazy to me. Always make sure to have blankets and coats in the car, extra battery jumper, etc. It's scary when there's a white out.
@@WhoKilledLenny What is a white out ???
As soon as I heard about the rain, I knew how the story was gonna go. That's even worse than if there had been only snow.
Me too and I live where we don't routinely get a lot of snow but when we did my husband and I were stuck (at home unable to get out but at least we had a roof over us) and lost power for almost two weeks.
I walked a mile in a foot of snow to get to my place of work, on mostly level ground, and I thought THAT was difficult. What James managed to do is incredible.
At another time, I was walking on a frozen lake where there was kind of a tourist trail to safely walk on. I deviated from the trail a little bit, to see if I could take a shorter path that had not been leveled by peoples' feet. The snow got to above my knees and I was only able to go about 15-20 feet before I started to feel truly exhausted and had to turn around. I was in no actual danger and had nothing motivating me except curiosity, but I know how difficult snow can be.
As someone who grew up in ND, hearing that they went on rural highways during winter, that he was in streetwear (no winter clothes), or that the only emergency thing they had was a spare tire makes me think of how brave or ignorant they were.
I guess it is just the thought of going somewhere like that where I don't know the terrain without anything freaks me out.
I've driven through plenty of full on blizzards on interstate to get to college with unplowed roads at decent speeds, but I always did stupid things knowing exactly what I could do to survive if needed.
That father is brave as hell though, so although I would have preferred him making many tracks around the car leading back to the car (since they had the right idea of getting the attention of pilots), in a situation like that, when you don't know the right course of action, I can't really say much.
Also, 20-30 walking for many miles isn't necessarily as bad as you think, especially when you are running on adrenaline and strong motivation.
But I'm saying that as someone wearing full winter gear or even snow pants.
The fact that he did this in any form of clothing that easily absorbs water is insane.
It doesn't just steal your body heat or make it easier to freeze. While it is destroying your limbs from freezing, it is also weighing you down.
😢 people like me who were raised in Urban areas do not understand the dangers of the outdoors. Only now in my 30s would I see these videos and get a sense. Generally we only anticipate our car breaking down and then expect to ask for help on phone or someone passing by. Our schools and colleges teach us about Maths and Physics but don't teach hypothermia, hyperthermia, how situations add up to death with cumulative wrong choices. I dnt need to solve equations when in reality we cn get stuck in snow 😢😢
A warrior out of his elements is still a warrior.
You did it James, you can rest now.
But he failed..? The outcome would have been the same if he just stayed in the car noshing on bear shit berries.
@@Weird.Dreams yet it was his footprints that led the rescuers to his family? no he didn’t make it to the town but his footprints did save his family.
@@harmonymcassidy after failing to light a fire, after putting them all in danger in the first place.
A warrior would have manned up the first morning, and started walking...
He definately was a warrior, his whole focus was to save his family, RIP James.
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.
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. ❤️❤️
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
have a pessimistic view when planning logistics
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.
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
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
oh wow
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
It's insane how unlucky they were. Deadly narrow road, no signs on the roads, hooligans breaking the gate, snow trapping them in an isolated area, no cellphone reception and fucking bears. That's really fucking rough.
yeah its like they were cursed with bad luck or something
Unlucky? Or just really BAD judgement?
It had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with extremely poor judgment. Even if you aren't familiar with an area, there's still plenty of common sense things they completely missed. The road you've been on is the road you know, backtrack and you're home free.
@@maggsbufton1969 Bad judgement is not going back same way you came and taking an unknown rd n not turning around. Curse/spiritual attack is having animals taunt you while a persistent storm is occurring. When most animal hide during storms. That's just unnatural. Anyone who can't see that is in denial.
I was thinking for the entire story that maybe they would've survived if those fucking idiots hadn't broke the gate.
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 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
🥺✊😭
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.
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.
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
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.
The fact that he was hungry and starving for days yet still abled to cover 16 miles just for the sake of his family and saving them is truly unbelievable. The man kept on going to find help cuzz he knew good news is the only event after which he should meet his family and bring them that
If I've learned anything from this channel, its that everyone needs wilderness training and always be over prepared for mountain weather.
and never go into caves
exactly
How is taht what u learned don't go in to a cave if u need shelter and it si heavy snowing u go in to a cave and wait or u get shelter if u need wilderness training to go in the woods I wouldn't go in teh woods if I were u it si comon since u don't need ttaing to go in the mountains or wood u just need conon secret
SO TRUE!!
Scence
This literally made me cry. I hope his children realize what a Super Hero their Father really was. God Bless him and this family.
He missed a road, made bad decisions put them at risk got lost again even with a map. Not prepared , no warm clothes in winter with snow storms . Walks into a deep ravine and dies. That’s not a hero. Even I carry a bag in the car with warm clothes and I don’t live anywhere near as severe as this.
@@pj4433 apparently YOU missed the entire point of the story. IF he had not left, made those tracks... his family would NOT have survived. He is a HERO.
@@isntthatspecial3316 right back at you if he had not left and got list yet again even with a map by trying to yet again take a disastrous shortcut he wouldnt be dead, hero’s don’t nearly get their families killed by making disaster bad decisions over and over and never learning. Who but an idiot drives into snow with summer cloths? You can spin this however you want for feels but the facts are the guy was a twat and that’s why he’s dead.
@@pj4433 if they had not decided to eat at Denny's this would never have happened. If they had not gone on this trip this would never have happened. If they had not married this would never have happened. If their parents didn't birth them this would never have happened. You don't get to backtrack to things that has happened and use the word "if" to justify the reason the family would be saved. But him leaving his trails after he left the car is what ultimately saved his family. He didn't know that he, in actual fact, had saved his family. He probably, very likely, till his last breath, thought he didn't and couldn't save his family, and for him to die believing he failed his family, is probably the most tragic thing out of it.
@@kenhew4641 argument by absurdity. None of those things are remotely related to taking an unknown mountain trail with no warm clothes. If you don’t know that then there is no help for you. Work on your critical thinking.
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.
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.
James's footprints helped his family get rescued. He is a hero. I'm so glad the babies are ok. I'm sure they will grow to remember their dad as the loving man he was.
And it was also his stupidity that got them there in the first place.
Can’t undo past actions. He made a mistake but he died in a noble way and did save his family. End of story.
@@carsonlove531 he made plenty of mistakes
@@freeeggs3811 it's easier to point out mistakes from a comfortable place. The negative person you are, you will definitely leave behind your family to die in any kind of danger.
@@freeeggs3811 I'm sure YOU have made plenty of stupid mistakes, some that have put yourself or others at risk. So stop trying to victim blame him. You're not perfect. He made a mistake and paid with his life, that is enough. His family is ok and that is enough.
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.
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
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
🙏🙏❤️
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??
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.
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.
@@TotalContemplation yes
@@TotalContemplation 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
Another person, a older man died the same way on a similiar road east from there on the cascade mountain range, he took his camper and pickup truck down a logging highway as a short cut when he got 40 miles in, the forestry rangers locked the entrence to that highway for the winter with out checking the road. the man survived weeks in his camper in the snow banks untill he died and was found by snowmobilers. he was a few miles from someones lodge.
I’m obsessed with the strange, dark and mysterious delivered in story format
Sameee
We all are we all are
I agree
Ye
I swear he picks the best stories to tell and within a couple of days he already has 1 million views.
"if this were to happen to me and to my family i would want people to know about it, so hopefully i can do it (the story) justice" Mr Ballen demonstrates a level of care and respect for each protagonist of every single story. Knowing the stories are true, makes Ballen's unique form of story telling/tribute, all the more poignant
Thank you
Exactly! I don't think he ever ones shamed or judged the people/victims in these stories, no matter how rash their decisions may have been.
I totally agree. That why I watch him so much.
definitely!!
So true. Thank you MrBallen for giving the story the respect and care it needed. One of the best channels on the entire internet!!!!
If you have the option to either backtrack or take a new path you don't know to get somewhere. Never ever under any circumstances take the path you know nothing about. Go back the way you came because you have already proven that it is safe enough to traverse.
It’s hard to say that though; when backtracking would’ve only led him back to his car. And to the death of his entire family in his eyes.
You only have the warmth & energy reserves after days of no food? To make one Hail Mary trip
Only one.
And actually have a chance at surviving it. So, in James’ mind, there WAS no turning back.
Turning back wouldve spelt death for his family in his mind
There was only one real option inevitably for James
@@Theyeti17 Think they were talking about the first fork in the road in the story.
@@Theyeti17 no no no. You're talking about when he was walking. I'm talking about waaaaay before that when it started snowing in the first place and he backtracked to the fork in the road where he decided to take a road that wasn't on the map and he didn't know where it went. He was already concerned about the snow so he should've taken the path that he knew for certain led back to the highway instead of a random road he could only guess about.
@@mafiaseargent problem was the snow had increased and that road had already proven super dangerous.. such a sad story !! RIP James you're a hero
Thats the takeaway of this story
If you’re ever in Oregon in winter, be aware that only main roads are plowed in winter. I’ve been over that road in summer, but in winter it’s impassible. Many roads in Oregon are impassible in winter. There have been people who have gotten stuck out there and not found til spring.
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.
Poor guy died thinking he was killing his family by dying. Heart-breaking.
He is just another Chinese guy who care
@@deroxanlit4181 are u being fr rn?
@@braydendowney5293 he is just a typical edgelord
Pure hero. Your kids will know what a strong man you were.
@@deroxanlit4181 Loser.
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.
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. ❤
This story had me in tears. What a courageous man, James was!
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 🤔🤔🤔
I once found myself going down a sketchy dirt road at night in northwest Arkansas. I went back the way I came after 5 miles of nothing but trees everywhere. I’m ex-military, grew up camping and had spent years in that area. Things can change fast, going back is often the best thing to do.
Where at in Arkansas? I live in northwest Arkansas so I'm so I'm super interested to know if we're thinking of the same area.
@@MorzeCode
I was going from Fort Smith to Mountain Home if I remember right. I did a lot of driving in that area back then. I think it was 2007 or 2008 and I was using a garmin gps that sent me down that road. Lol
Thanks for bringing up being ex-military. You were trained to deal with discomfort and adversity. You can endure the cold and wet with the best of them. Even with specific training, being stranded in extreme winter weather, though, is a guaranteed end if you aren't extremely disciplined or fortunate. I'm glad I watched this but I watched it in terror as a worst nightmare scenario: stranded, lost, no gear, no planning (for disaster), no comms, young kids...
Ex-solo range hiker. Ex-Army. Dug-in mid-winter in Canada under dire temperature conditions. Winter Warfare exercise gone awry. Lost able bodies to hypothermia in the dark. No evac possible. Vietnam-era gear and winter coats, boots, all barely effective. Under these stresses and hypothermic conditions, people start not to think clearly and can hallucinate or shut down. We couldn't let anyone sleep or even be alone. All anyone wanted to do was sleep: hypothermia sets in and the magical thinking of sleep bringing comfort or escape. I have seen what happens in the hours and minutes leading to an end by freezing and it is as terrifying as could be imagined. It takes exceptional focus to...not die, frankly. The best substitutes are experience and companions with experience.
Back to the video. They are stuck and I am terrified. They have each other...and a car...and some fuel...and cell phones... And yet with each passing minute, I am more terrified! Thank you well-tuned narration and well-paced writing!
Also, despite collective thoughts of chasing away fear with alcohol...? No: alcohol is death at -40 (F or C...it's mathematically and literally the same).
I was in Northwest Arkansas. Everything beyond 5 miles of Walmart HQ is grass. Where were the trees? 😂
I’m not sure what kind of danger that poses. 5 miles of Arkansas forest is about as tame as it gets.
The way you tell these heartbreaking stories is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for not leaving them to the statistics.
"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
The sad thing is that James will never know his wife and kids were saved
he will know beacuse God said in Holy Quran he will raise us again just like now we life
May Allah grant him jannah and life in peace
I believe he knew. I believe Jesus would let him have a glimpse from Heaven.❤️
Regardless of religious beliefs, it’s very disheartening to think that he collapsed and died thinking he failed his family when in reality, his decision to go find help was the only thing that saved them😭😭😭
He knows
Idk… spirits tend to get the news faster than live ppl, personally I’m not worried.
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.
You are such an amazing storyteller. The amount of research you do definitely gives justice to the people whose stories your conveying.
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 ❤✝️❤
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.
I swear, your storytelling is taking years off of my life but I just can’t stop.
😆
Cute
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 :)
The guy must’ve thought he failed his wife and kids, but his footsteps left in the snow saved the lives of his family.
He is so incompetent he saved them BY ACCIDENT
Still saved them
He failed them by putting his family in that position in the first place. His last actions may have ultimately saved them, but the situation was entirely avoidable.
They would have found them either way. The footsteps may have helped. They were looking for a car on the known road. They would have found her. They were at a well
Known junction in the road.
But….. he is indeed a hero. An impatient man taking needless
Risks to save time in a snow storm. But a good man none the less. A true hero.
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
His superhuman endurance is a testament to the love he had for his family and their survival. True hero, no question.
He nearly killed them. He drove into a snow storm without even a warm coat. He took unknown mountain roads. He’s not a hero he’s a total fool. Not a hero at all.
@@pj4433 fool and hero are not opposites. One could be both. He may be responsible for getting then into the situation, but he did what he could to get then out. And it can be argued his actions at the end led to his families survival.
@@pj4433 you like bringing up the ''he wasn't prepared'' bit no shit you cant predict all outcomes he also didn't have a flare gun the point is he fought for his family i'm guessing you've only fought for a piece of pizza
@@pj4433 um excuse me?! People make mistakes. How dare you. He is a hero because he gave his life tryjng to save his family after he mistakenly got them in that situation. Don't judge unless you're absolutely perfect and make no mistakes at all in your life.
@@Balisades he's an idiot if you truly care about your family's safety you wouldn't have ever put your family in that situation in the first place.
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
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
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.
The hard lesson here is if you're lost, go back the way you came.
Facts.
Plus,nowadays you can see the roadways,the upcoming weather etc.Sad and heroic but....wtf were they thinking?
and what if you lose the way and get confused and continue going in the wrong direction? that happens very often yk.. you cant think rationally when youre going through so much stress and when youre on the verge of losing your life as well as your loved ones.
@@meenakshimurali1 well in this case, they knew the way back. But unfortunately chose not to take it at 1st fork, then at a 2nd fork chose to go further again instead of turn back.
So the point is, if you are faced with that choice, remember this story to learn from them, and go back to the highway if you know how, even if itll take hours.
Tje fact that ppl get irrational when stressed (their lives were not in danger when they made the decisions, but they were stressed) is exactly why we need to remember it as an adage "when in doubt return the way you came from civilization, if you know it".
@@14lishazz that's it.
They weren't thinking... They were reacting... Better to go the way you know.
@@juliaszybowicz7709 yea, I think it's natural for ppl to want to go forward too and hope it's going to be better, but this really drives home to go with what you know. So sad.