A hiker vanished earlier this month, and family members feared the worst the longer he was missing. Rescuers miraculously found the man alive over a week later.
According to a report by NBC Bay Area, 44-year-old Samuel Vengrinovich went missing while trekking in India. Family members told the outlet that he was last seen on June 6, heading out on a ‘glacial trek on Mount Triund,’ which is in the Himalayas. He then vanished without a trace for nine days.
Samuel’s sister, Natasha Vengrinovich, explained her brother told his family in a group chat he had an opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama speak on June 4. On Thursday, he notified them he was going on a hike and planned for a reunion in the future.
Per the Jerusalem Post, Samuel was last seen at a group campsite in the Himalayas. He wandered away from the site without any items, as he intended to return. The outlet alleges that he was injured while separated from the group and couldn’t get back.
The Hiker Reportedly Consumed Bugs To Survive
Samuel suffered a broken arm while alone in the mountains. He reportedly walked for nine days without food or water and had to eat insects to survive. The hiker wasn’t wandering aimlessly and was following the river to get to Dharmasala Village.
Natasha told the Jerusalem Post he was transferred to a local hospital for treatment. She reportedly said, “To say it’s a miracle is an understatement.”
Samuel’s family set up a GoFundMe while he was missing. The fundraiser requested money to cover the costs of organizing search teams and hiring local trackers. In an update from June 15, the family revealed the good news but also explained they need help to “cover the immediate costs of the rescue operation.” The fundraiser clarified that the “incredible teams” who searched for the lost hiker require payment regardless of the outcome. In a previous update, they explained that Samuel did not have insurance to cover this sort of emergency.
The family also says, “Samuel faces significant medical care and hospitalization for his injuries, along with flights to reunite him with his family.”