A six-pack of yogurt and snow. This was how Sheena Gullett survived being stranded in a snowstorm for six days until she was rescued.
According to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Sheena Gullett, 52, and Justin Lonich, 48, were driving to Little Valley, California on dirt roads off of Highway 44 on April 14. After driving for several miles, their vehicle got stuck in the snow. Their battery died in the morning so they decided to walk back toward Highway 44.
During this time, Caltrans have sent out advisories regarding the snowstorm. According to the notice, Highway 44 would possibly be affected.
The soles of Sheena’s boots came off while walking, so she fell behind. Realizing that they became separated, Justin tried to go and find Sheena but he was unsuccessful due to the snow. He then continued to walk until he reached Highway 44, where he hitched a ride to Susanville. There he was able to report the incident to the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
Since Justin was not familiar with the route that they took, the authorities had difficulty locating Sheena. Daily searches were also conducted by the Sheriff’s deputies and the U.S. Forest Service, but they were unable to find her.
Finally, on April 20 at 3:00 PM, the vehicle was found, along with a “very emotional but physically okay” Sheena. According to her, a helicopter flew over a few days before. Despite the clear weather during that time, they were still unable to see her since she was in a heavily wooded location.
During the incident, Sheena stayed in the broken down vehicle. She also relayed that she survived by rationing a six-pack of yogurt, eating only a pack a day. Since she didn’t have water, she had to eat snow.
According to authorities, Sheena has now been returned and is safe at home.