During a holiday hike near Godwin Glacier, south of Anchorage, Morris, 61, tumbled down an embankment.
He was pinned face-down in freezing water by a boulder.
“I was doubtful there was going to be a good outcome,” he admitted.
But his wife, Jo Roop, a retired State Trooper, kept his head above water and ran for help.
She only had to walk 300 yards to get a signal and call 911, providing exact GPS coordinates.
Her quick thinking—and a fortunate twist—made all the difference.
How Was He Rescued?
A volunteer at a nearby sled dog tour company overheard the dispatch and sent their helicopter to the scene.
Terrain blocked all other rescue vehicles.
Seven rescuers and two inflatable air bags later, Morris was freed.
“I fully anticipated a body recovery,” said Seward Fire Chief Clinton Crites.
Instead, Morris walked out of the hospital two days later.
Now back home, Morris has a new hiking rule: “We’re going to stop the trailblazing.”
Because when nature drops a literal ton on your back, maybe it’s time to stick to the path.
