LOST
IN THE SNOW

Topics: Choices; Confusion; Consequences; Decisions; Direction; Discernment; Help; Loneliness; Redemption; Rescue; Salvation

References: Psalm 143:10; Proverbs 3:5–6; Matthew 7:13–14; 15:14; Luke 19:10; Romans 12:2; Colossians 2:8

After spending Thanksgiving with family in Seattle, Washington, the Kims began their long journey back to San Francisco on November 24, 2006. James and Kati, along with their daughters Penelope (four) and Sabine (seven months), traveled south on Interstate 5 until late in the evening, intending to spend the night in an upscale lodge. But they missed their turn.

Instead of backtracking, the Kims decided to follow an alternate route. Using an official Oregon Department of Transportation road map, they traveled sixty-two miles south and drove onto Bear Camp Road, which seemed to be a more direct path to the Oregon coast. Both James and Kati failed to notice a small box on the map indicating that the road might be closed during winter. The Kims eventually encountered warning signs announcing that snowdrifts had blocked the pass and decided to turn off onto a spur road.

After struggling for fifteen miles along the unpaved road, their station wagon got stuck in the snow. The family decided to remain with the car and hope for rescue. They were there a week, running the car intermittently for heat and rationing their small amount of food. Once the gas ran out, they burned magazines, wet wood, and eventually car tires to keep warm.

Finally, James Kim set off on foot to find help. From the map, he determined that the town of Galice was about four miles away. According to state police officer Gregg Hastings, the distance was actually fifteen miles. A few days later, James died of exposure and hypothermia.

Katie waited two days for her husband to return, then gathered up her children and began her own trek to find help. She was spotted by rescue helicopters and rescued.

In March 2005, Peter Stivers survived a seventeen-day ordeal on a similar road with his wife, two children, and mother. Stivers’s family had a motor home and more abundant supplies, but he still understands the terror that the Kims must have felt. “You’re all alone,” he said, “and you don’t know if anybody’s coming for you.”

—Martin Kasindorf and Andrea Stone, “Rescuers Laud Dad as Hero,” USA Today (December 8, 2006)