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Three-Day Muskegon River Rescue Saves Two Women, Boy

8/12/2026

34 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cameron Wright Rescues

U.S. rescue teams found two women and a 9-year-old boy after a three-day ordeal on Michigan’s Muskegon River.
Conservation officer Cameron Wright located them about 7 miles downstream and carried the boy out of the brush.
They survived on bark, flowers and river water, suffering cuts, bug bites and dehydration.
Lt. Pat Agema said they were taken to a hospital for cuts, dehydration and exhaustion.

Summary

DNR Rescues

Investigators said the three used inflatable pool rafts that burst on the Muskegon River, leaving them stranded.
Police determined Sarah Vida’s car was broken into while she was missing and arrested the thieves.
Michigan DNR posted body-camera video of the rescue, a rare public release.
Their cell phone died early, preventing any call for help.
Theresa Hock said the rafts were meant for a pool, showing insufficient river tubing gear.

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Cameron Wright Rescues

U.S. rescue teams found two women and a 9-year-old boy after a three-day ordeal on Michigan’s Muskegon River.
Conservation officer Cameron Wright located them about 7 miles downstream and carried the boy out of the brush.
They survived on bark, flowers and river water, suffering cuts, bug bites and dehydration.
Lt. Pat Agema said they were taken to a hospital for cuts, dehydration and exhaustion.

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