A missing 72-year-old woman who was found lying next to her dead husband’s body in a Maine forest after they got lost while hiking miraculously survived four nights because her faithful dog slept on her chest to keep her warm.
Pamela Helmstadter was rescued Thursday in the woods in Alexander, Washington County – days after she and her 82-year-old husband, John Helmstadter, became disoriented when they strayed off the trail while hiking, WMTW reports.
She was found about 200 yards from her husband’s body, and their black lab, Lucy, was still trying to keep her safe, officials said.
“When the K-9 team located her, her dog was very protective of her and even laid on her chest,” Sgt. Maine State Ranger. Josh Beal said about Lucy.
“It appears the dog also did this at night to keep her warm,” he continued, adding that the dog may have saved its owner’s life.
Pamela Helmstadter was rescued last Thursday in the woods in Alexander, Washington County – days after she and her husband, John Helmstadter, 82, were out hiking and got lost. Maine Ranger Service
According to authorities, Helmstadter, who spent nights in rain and temperatures as low as 28 degrees, was suffering from severe hypothermia when search teams found her.
Her husband’s body was found about 200 meters away, although it was not immediately clear when he died.
The tragic story unfolded when Helmstadter’s husband fell and at one point was unable to get up after the couple decided to leave the route.
Helmstadter, who had left her cell phone at home, decided to go for help but ended up getting lost and unable to find her way home, authorities said.
Pamela Helmstadter was rescued last Thursday in the woods in Alexander, Washington County. Maine Ranger Service John Helmstadter’s body was found about 200 meters from his wife, although it was unclear when he died. Maine Ranger Service
“She was more physically fit than he was, so they made the decision that he should stay put and she should try to get out and find help,” Beal said.
Search crews had been searching the woods for the couple since an alert neighbor noticed the couple had not picked up a package left on their porch.
A neighbor called the police when one of the couple’s two dogs returned home alone.
Helmstadter later told authorities she had given up hope of finding her alive until, hours before her discovery, she suddenly heard search helicopters flying overhead.
Authorities said the wife, whose body temperature was only 30.7 degrees when located, was taken to a hospital for treatment.
