The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• Surviving the Killer Mountain: Three Nights in the Death Zone | E198

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into one of mountaineering's most dramatic stories: the 2018 winter ascent of Nanga Parbat by Élisabeth. Revol and Tomasz Mackiewicz. Experience the grueling journey and impossible decisions that unfolded on the 'Killer Mountain.' This episode takes you through the extreme challenges of high-altitude climbing, including Tomasz's severe altitude sickness and Élisabeth's fight for their survival. Learn about the heroic rescue mission led by elite climbers from a nearby K2 expedition and the extraordinary efforts that were mobilized to save Élisabeth. This compelling story highlights the indomitable human spirit and the remarkable will to survive in one of the most hostile environments on Earth. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:30 Setting the Scene: Nanga Parbat 02:10 The Climbers: Élisabeth and Tomash 03:53 The Dangers of Nanga Parbat 06:08 The Summit and the Descent 11:35 The Crisis Unfolds 14:30 The Desperate Descent 17:23 The Rescue Attempt 21:43 Unbelievable Human Endurance 22:26 The Call for Help 23:09 The Rescue Mission Begins 24:43 Helicopter Risks and Challenges 26:16 Night Climb to Save Élisabeth 27:21 Finding Élisabeth 28:21 The Agonizing Decision 30:21 Descent and Evacuation 31:49 Aftermath and Scrutiny 32:19 Medical Perspective on High Altitude Sickness 38:39 The Power of Community and Resilience 39:18 Élisabeth's Recovery and Return to Climbing 41:46 Recognition for the Rescuers 42:28 Final Reflections on Human Capability 43:47 Podcast Closing Remarks Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary Sources Book by Elisabeth Revol: Revol, Élisabeth. To Live: Fighting for Life on the Killer Mountain. Translated by Natalie Berry. Vertebrate Publishing, 2020. AlpinistAdventurebooks (Originally published in French as Vivre in 2019) Major News Coverage & Mountaineering Publications Wikipedia Articles: "Élisabeth Revol" - Wikipedia article documenting her mountaineering career and the 2018 Nanga Parbat rescue Wikipedia "Adam Bielecki" - Wikipedia article covering his role in the rescue operation Wikipedia American Alpine Club: AAC Publications - "Nanga Parbat: Second Winter Ascent, First Complete Ascent of Northwest Face, and Rescue" (2018) American Alpine Club Planetmountain.com (extensive coverage): "Nanga Parbat: ordeal ends for Elisabeth Revol!" (January 28, 2018) Planet Mountain "Nanga Parbat, Elisabeth Revol reached by Adam Bielecki and Denis Urubko" (January 27, 2018) Planet Mountain "Drama on Nanga Parbat, fears for Tomek Mackiewicz and Elisabeth Revol" (January 26, 2018) Planet Mountain Other Major Sources: NPR: "After Harrowing Weekend Rescue, One Climber Saved, One Lost To 'Killer Mountain'" (January 29, 2018) NPR France 24: "Rescued French climber recalls horror descent on frozen feet" (February 2, 2018) France 24 UKClimbing.com: "Elisabeth Revol and Tomek Mackiewicz on Nanga Parbat" (2018) UKC News Alpinist Magazine: "Elisabeth Revol's book 'To Live' is an ode to Tomasz Mackiewicz and Nanga Parbat" Alpinist National Geographic: "Meet Denis Urubko and Adam Bielecki, National Geographic 2019 Adventurers of the Year" National Geographic First Winter Ascent of Nanga Parbat (2016) Referenced for context about the first winter ascent: AAC Publications: "Nanga Parbat: First Winter Ascent" (2016) - documenting Simone Moro, Alex Txikon, and Ali Sadpara's achievement American Alpine Club Planetmountain: "Nanga Parbat: summit and first winter ascent by Simone Moro, Ali Sadpara and Alex Txikon" (February 26, 2016) Planet Mountain Awards and Recognition For the rescue team: David A. Sowles Memorial Award 2019 (American Alpine Club) Wikipedia "The Spirit of Mountaineering Commendation" (British Alpine Club, 2018) Wikipedia Legion of Honour (France's highest civilian distinction) Wikipedia National Geographic 2019 Adventurers of the Year (Bielecki and Urubko) National Geographic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Floating in 90-Foot Waves Without a Life Raft: The La Conte Fishing Vessel Tragedy in Alaska | E197

  This episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosted by medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen dives into the harrowing account of the fishing vessel La Conte, which sank in the Gulf of Alaska on January 30th, 1998. The vessel, carrying five experienced fishermen, met its fate in one of the worst storms in Alaska's history. The lack of a life raft, combined with extreme weather conditions and the vessel's age, led to a catastrophic series of events. The crew's ordeal of surviving in 38-degree water in survival suits under hurricane-force winds is recounted in gripping detail. The podcast highlights the extraordinary efforts of three Coast Guard helicopter crews who braved impossible conditions to rescue three of the five men, making it one of the most challenging maritime rescues ever attempted. This story serves as a stark reminder of the ocean's unforgiving nature and the critical importance of proper safety equipment. Timestamps- 00:31 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:55 Setting the Scene: A Nightmarish Survival Situation 02:49 The Sinking of the Fishing Vessel 04:09 The Fairweather Grounds: Dangerous Waters 05:18 The La Conte: An Aging Vessel 06:36 The Crew's Desperate Last Run 08:09 The Storm Intensifies 10:27 Abandoning Ship: Into the Freezing Waters 15:54 The Coast Guard's Harrowing Rescue Attempt 23:14 Desperate Attempts at Rescue 26:38 The Final Hope: Third Helicopter Crew 27:14 A Race Against Time and Hypothermia 29:48 The Heart-Wrenching Choices 32:57 The Aftermath and Investigation 40:31 Lessons Learned from the Tragedy 44:44 Conclusion and Reflections Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References-  Alaska Shipwrecks Database - La Conte entry with crew information and incident details (alaskashipwreck.com) "Coming Back Alive" by Spike Walker - Detailed account based on survivor interviews "The Last Run" by Todd Lewan - Associated Press investigative report and book U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange records Daily Sitka Sentinel, February 3, 1998 - "CG to Investigate Why Boat Didn't Have Raft" NOAA Storm Data, January 1998 - Gulf of Alaska weather conditions Coast Guard Aviation History archives - Rescue mission documentation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Christopher McCandless: The True Story Behind Into the Wild's Tragic Alaska Death | Disaster Strikes E 196

  In this episode of the Crux podcast's biweekly segment, Disaster Strikes, host Julie Henningsen explores the tragic story of Christopher McCandless, also known as Alexander Supertramp. Julie shares her personal experience traveling in Alaska, including her visit to important locations tied to McCandless's story, such as the replica Magic Bus and the actual bus 142 being restored. The episode dives deep into McCandless's life, his motivations, and his ill-fated adventure into the Alaskan wilderness, highlighting the lore, debates, and ramifications surrounding his journey. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of preparation and respect for nature, while also prompting listeners to reflect on what it means to live an authentic life. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:50 Christopher McCandless: The Man Behind the Legend 03:29 The Journey Begins: From Suburbia to Wilderness 08:13 Into the Wild: The Alaskan Adventure 16:56 The Final Days: Trapped and Alone 20:06 Legacy and Controversy: The Aftermath of McCandless's Story 27:14 Reflections and Lessons Learned 31:18 Conclusion: The Enduring Questions Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Broken and Alone: Six Days on a Norwegian Mountain | E 195

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the gripping survival story of Alec Luhn, a 38-year-old climate journalist, who endured six days stranded on a remote Norwegian mountain. After a catastrophic fall left him with a broken femur, fractured pelvis, and multiple fractured vertebrae, Luhn faced treacherous weather conditions and severe dehydration. Despite insurmountable odds, his relentless will to live and eventual rescue by the Norwegian Red Cross highlight an incredible tale of human endurance, love, and the extreme measures taken to make it home. Join us as we explore the crucial moments that dictated Luhn's fate and the lessons learned from this incredible true story. 00:00 Introduction to Case Knives 00:33 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:57 Alec Loon's Harrowing Tale Begins 02:47 Alec Loon: The Experienced Adventurer 05:07 The Treacherous Terrain of Ful Gana National Park 08:46 Alec's First Mistake: The Broken Boot 10:57 The Catastrophic Fall 12:47 Stranded and Injured: Alec's Fight for Survival 14:35 The Struggle for Water and Shelter 19:42 The Crushing Solitude 20:26 Family as a Beacon of Hope 21:09 Hallucinations and Helicopters 22:55 The Rescue Mission 25:17 Medical Breakdown of Survival 29:33 Lessons and Reflections 35:18 A New Lease on Life 38:39 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• The Lone Survivor of Early Winters Spire: Anton Tselykh's Impossible Escape from the Cascades | E194

  On Mother's Day weekend 2025, four friends set out to climb North Early Winters Spire in Washington's North Cascades, but a single rusted piton anchor failed during their descent, sending all four climbers plummeting 500 to 700 feet down the mountain. Three men died instantly from the fall, while 38-year-old Anton Tselykh miraculously survived despite suffering a cracked skull, broken ribs, internal bleeding, and head trauma. What followed was one of the most remarkable self-rescues in climbing history—and a mystery that even the U.S. Forest Service investigation couldn't explain: why did one man survive when three others didn't? 00:00 Introduction to Case Knives 00:25 Escape Ads with Patreon 00:59 Welcome to Crux True Survival Stories 01:34 Anton Tselykh's Nightmare Begins 03:15 The North Cascades: A Treacherous Terrain 05:38 Meet the Climbing Team 08:22 The Climb and the Descent 14:11 The Fatal Decision 19:01 The Climbers' Final Descent 20:03 The Fall and Its Immediate Aftermath 22:38 Anton’s Struggle for Survival 25:07 The Rescue and Recovery Efforts 30:00 The Investigation and Findings 33:45 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References U.S. Forest Service Climbing Accident Report - North Early Winters Spire, Early Winters Couloir https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/kxly.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/44/844567ae-de1f-463b-9ba0-3c157259fb33/6848c7bac1406.pdf.pdf Okanogan County Sheriff's Office - Official Statements Methow Valley News - "Surviving climber shares harrowing account of fall" https://methowvalleynews.com/2025/05/22/surviving-climber-shares-harrowing-account-of-fall/ Spokesman-Review - "Report offers details on North Cascades climbing accident" https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/10/report-offers-details-on-north-cascades-climbing-a/ CBS News - "Climber who survived fall that killed 3 friends was unconscious for hours, awoke in dark before seeking help" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/surviving-climber-fall-killed-3-unconscious-awoke-dark-calling-help/ CBS News - "Dramatic details emerge after climber survives 400-foot fall that killed 3 friends in Washington state" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/triple-fatal-climbing-fall-washington-state-survivor-details/ Seattle Times/Spokesman-Review - "What we know about the North Cascades climbing accident that killed three" https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/may/14/what-we-know-about-the-north-cascades-climbing-acc/ KOMO News - "Seattle climber recounts survival after 400-foot fall in North Cascades accident" https://komonews.com/news/local/400-foot-fall-north-cascades-deadly-incident-accident-okanogan-couny-satisfactory-condition-cristine-woodworth-tragedy-anchor-piton-failure-washington-state-40-miles-april-22 NCW Life - "Report: Piton failure sent mountaineers to their deaths" https://www.ncwlife.com/news/report-piton-failure-sent-mountaineers-to-their-deaths/article_2c279af4-37d7-41bd-8fce-36d90492bd23.html Your Source One - "Report: Missteps Caused Fatal Climb Fall in Okanogan County" https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/report-series-of-missteps-led-to-deadly-north-cascades-climbing-fall-in-okanogan-county/article_f14ed12f-3b01-4a04-89b6-16a68de5529a.html KXLY News - "Report details what went wrong in accident that killed three climbers in the Washington Cascades" Fluke Corporation - Official Statement on Vishnu Irigireddy Facebook/GoFundMe - Olga Martynenko's Statements Okanogan County Search and Rescue (OCSAR) Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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