A remarkable story of resilience and love unfolded recently when a wife utilized the “Find My iPhone” feature to assist in locating her husband, who had been trapped under an avalanche for over four hours.
In late February, Michael Harris was enjoying a day of skiing at the Big Chief Bowl, located in Stevens Pass Ski Resort, when disaster struck. A sudden avalanche swept him away, and as he fought to navigate around a boulder, he was ultimately buried, feeling as though he was “encased in cement.”
Fortunately, Michael remained in an upright position, a factor that played a crucial role in his survival. However, he was unable to reach his Apple Watch or iPhone, even as he heard it ringing in his front pocket. “I could hear it ring, yet my hand couldn’t get to it,” he recalled.
Meanwhile, his wife Penny sensed something was amiss. Even though it’s not uncommon for skiers to miss calls, her intuition urged her to take action. By activating the “Find My iPhone” app using Michael’s information, she discovered that his phone was stationary. This prompted her to contact the ski resort, where she shared the location of his device with the staff. This vital information allowed search and rescue teams to find Michael, knowing that an avalanche had occurred in the area.
“I was inches away from the thing that could save my life, but I just couldn’t get there. And yet because she knew how to use ‘Find My iPhone,’ I’m here today,” Michael expressed.
Once at the hospital, Michael’s daughter Lauren provided updates through a GoFundMe page created to support the family, which has successfully raised $35,000 of the $40,000 needed for medical expenses and family support, as Michael was the primary breadwinner. She shared, “He was hypothermic with a temperature in the high 70s/very low 80s. After various tests, my dad was diagnosed with a lung contusion, pneumonia, kidney injuries, and a fracture in his right tibial plateau.”
Doctors estimated that his recovery could take 14 to 16 weeks if all goes well. “It is a true miracle that he survived without sustaining life-altering or life-threatening injuries,” Lauren said. “I have been thanking God since the incident that he is still here with us.”
Surviving an avalanche often hinges on a mix of preparation and sheer luck. Having someone who knows your whereabouts—like Penny—can be crucial if communications go silent or if news of an avalanche breaks. The way one is positioned when buried also significantly impacts survival chances. Experts recommend curling up in a ball during an avalanche, which can help shield vital areas and potentially create air pockets that extend oxygen supply while buried.
This incredible story serves as a testament to the power of love, quick thinking, and the importance of preparedness in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
