PARK RAPIDS — A 68-year-old Minnesota woman who had been missing for three days was found alive on Saturday, stuck nearly submerged in a mud puddle in a remote wooded area, authorities said.
Kathryn Woessner of Alexandria was discovered by two men riding all-terrain vehicles on a trail near Park Rapids, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Woessner was last seen on June 3. Rescuers found her on June 6 after she had been trapped in the mud for about three days, officials said.
Adam Sandbeck and Mike Gravalin told local media they were exploring the remote trail when they spotted a van stuck in the area. Upon closer inspection, they saw Woessner partially submerged in a nearby puddle, with only her mouth and part of her face exposed.
"She told us her car was stuck and she was trying to get out when she went around to the other side, slipping and falling into a puddle that was probably 2 feet deep," Sandbeck said, according to reports.
Woessner described the mud as "like quicksand," making it impossible for her to free herself. The men pulled her out and called 911. She was badly sunburned after days exposed to the elements but was conscious and able to speak with her rescuers.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office confirmed she had been reported missing and that search efforts had been underway. Due to her medical conditions, she was taken to Essentia Health for treatment following the rescue.
The incident occurred in a remote area with challenging terrain, where such hazards can be difficult to detect. Officials noted that the two rescuers' actions were critical in locating and extracting her promptly.
Gravalin, who has training as a deputy U.S. Marshal, said the experience was unforgettable. "I'm just thankful that she was alive," he told a local television station.
Woessner's survival after several days trapped highlights the importance of community awareness and prompt reporting of missing persons in rural areas. Search and rescue operations in Minnesota's wooded regions often involve coordination with local volunteers and law enforcement.
As of Sunday, Woessner remained under medical care. Details on her full recovery timeline and any further investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance remained unclear.
