How the Missing Nevada Family Survived 2 Days in Snow and Subzero Temperatures

Two adults, four kids faced freezing temperatures as they waited for rescuers.

ByABC News
December 11, 2013, 3:23 PM
From left, Evan, Shelby Fitzpatrick and Chloe Glanton, and Tate McIntee are shown in these undated photos.
From left, Evan, Shelby Fitzpatrick and Chloe Glanton, and Tate McIntee are shown in these undated photos.
Pershing County Sheriff's Office

Dec. 11, 2013— -- Rescuers said a Nevada couple and four children were found Tuesday bundled up by a fire after spending two days in subzero temperatures in the wilderness.

James Glanton, 34, his girlfriend, Christina McIntee, 25, their two children, a niece and a nephew, never returned after driving into the mountains of northern Nevada Sunday afternoon to play in the snow.

As 200 searchers fanned out across the area, which is located roughly 100 miles northeast of Reno, here's what we know about what happened, and what the family did to stay warm -- and calm -- during its two-day ordeal.

  • The family's Jeep Grand Cherokee drove over an embankment and flipped over on Sunday. Chris Montes, a member of the rescue team, said the family wasn't lost but figured someone would come to its aid.

  • The family members knew a search team was looking for them because they could hear whistling and saw choppers flying overhead, Montes said.

  • As they waited for help, Montes said the adults built a fire, which they kept fueled for two days. When the family was located, Montes said the kids were "bundled up and in good shape."

  • A search team followed tracks on the road, which led them to footprints. Using binoculars, Montes said they were able to see the family's overturned Jeep.

  • Dr. Douglas Vacek of Pershing General Hospital said the entire group, including the four children, who range in age from 3 to 10 years old, did not suffer frostbite.

  • Montes and Vacek both credited Glanton for taking care of his family as temperatures dipped below zero. Vacek said the entire group is in "amazing condition considering what they've been through."

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