The Crux True Survival Stories

Latest Episodes:

Disaster on Franconia Ridge: A White Mountains Survival Story | E216 Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

On February 10, 2008, Fred Frederickson and James Osborne started what should have been a routine winter day hike on New Hampshire's Franconia Ridge. Within hours, conditions changed catastrophically—temperatures plummeted to single digits, winds reached seventy miles per hour, and both men were fighting for their lives on an exposed mountain ridge. As night fell and the storm intensified, rescue teams mobilized for a desperate search in some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable. This episode explores the cascade of small decisions that turned a beautiful Sunday hike into a tragedy, and the extraordinary efforts of the rescuers who risked everything to bring them home. A story about friendship, survival, and the unforgiving nature of winter in the White Mountains. 00:46 Welcome to The Crux + Listener Shoutout
01:25 Eyelids Frozen Shut on Little Haystack
02:17 Meet Fred & James + The Franconia Ridge Loop Plan
04:47 Overdressed, Sweating, and Wet Layers
05:46 The Forecast They Missed: 70–100 MPH Winds Incoming
06:40 Above Treeline: The Storm ‘Switch’ Flips
08:48 No Shelter, No Fire: Hypothermia Signs and the Fight Back to Haystack
11:12 Night in a Rock Cave: Deep Hypothermia and Rewarming Basics
15:24 Missing from Work: Search Teams Mobilize in Brutal Conditions
17:37 Found on the Ridge: Black Hawk Night Landing Rescue
19:07 Hospital Battle: ‘Warm and Dead,’ Rewarming, and Frostbite Losses
20:58 Aftermath & Lessons: Hike Safe Tips
27:14 Final Takeaways + Book Rec Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References:

Boston Globe, September 15, 2008 - "Hiker recounts horrific struggle for survival on icy N.H. ridge"
Boston Herald, February 18, 2008 - "Hub hiker escapes death"
New Hampshire Public Radio - "Author Ty Gagne on The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites," December 31, 2020
Union Leader, November 29, 2020 - "A tale of life and death on Franconia Ridge"
Conway Daily Sun, January 17, 2021 - "The Last Traverse chronicles wintry search-and-rescue mission"
SkinnyMoose.com, February 12, 2008 - "Missing Hikers Found In Franconia Notch – One Dead"
WhiteBlaze.net forum discussion, February 2008
VFTT (Views From The Top) forum, September 14, 2008 - "James Osborne & Fred Fredrickson Follow-up Story"
Boston Globe, December 23, 2024 - "White Mountains, New Hampshire search and rescue data"
Mount Washington Observatory weather archives
NH Fish and Game Department rescue reports
Nashua Telegraph, September 14, 2008

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Adirondack Tragedy: The 9-Day Search for Leo Dufour on Allen Mountain | Disaster Strikes | E215 Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

On a snowy Black Friday in November 2024, a 22-year-old experienced hiker from Quebec set out alone to climb one of the most remote peaks in New York's Adirondack Mountains—a challenging 18-mile journey he expected to complete in a single day. When he didn't return as planned, what followed was one of the most extensive search operations in Adirondack history, involving dozens of elite forest rangers battling brutal winter conditions for over a week. This is the story of Leo Dufour, a university student studying to become a teacher who had already conquered 32 of the legendary 46 High Peaks, and the extraordinary efforts to find him in a wilderness that doesn't always give up its secrets. It's a reminder that even the most prepared among us are never more than one wrong turn away from the unforgiving power of the mountains.
00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes
00:42 Leo Dufour's Quest in the Adirondacks
03:00 The Challenge of Allen Mountain
07:09 The Search and Rescue Efforts
12:47 The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
24:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References:

"New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Statement on Recovery of Missing Canadian Hiker Leo DuFour." DEC Press Release, May 10, 2025.
"Update: State Police seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing hiker in the town of Newcomb." NYS Police Press Release, December 2024.
Lynch, Mike. "Remains of missing Canadian hiker found." Adirondack Explorer, May 2025.
Lynch, Mike. "Missing hiker: What we know so far, as search enters 5th day." Adirondack Explorer, January 22, 2025.
Lynch, Mike. "Search for Canadian hiker shifts to recovery." Adirondack Explorer, March 28, 2025.
"DEC: Body of missing hiker Leo DuFour found May 10 off Mt. Allen Mountain trail." The Adirondack Almanack, May 12, 2025.
"Due to treacherous conditions, search for Leo DuFour transitioned to recovery mission." The Adirondack Almanack, December 10, 2024.
"Extensive search underway in the Adirondacks for missing Canadian hiker." NCPR News, December 4, 2024.
"Rangers had to divert resources during Allen Mt. search to rescue solo searcher." NCPR News, December 10, 2024.
"DEC: No signs of missing hiker Thursday." Adirondack Daily Enterprise, December 5, 2024.
"Hikers find body of missing person on Allen Mountain." My NBC5, May 2025.
"Body of Missing Hiker Is Found 5 Months After He Vanished in the Adirondacks." The New York Times, May 29, 2025.
The Globe and Mail (Canada): "U.S. authorities find body of missing Quebec hiker in New York state's Adirondacks." May 11, 2025.
Advnture: Clarke, Julia. "Body of 22-year-old Canadian hiker found 5 months after vanishing on snowy Adirondacks mountain." May 2025.

Seventy-Two Days: Alive in the Andes | E214 Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

In this unflinching episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into one of history's most harrowing survival stories. On October 13, 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 slammed into the Andes Mountains, leaving 33 survivors stranded at 12,000 feet in subzero temperatures. For 72 days, they battled avalanches, frostbite, and starvation. When their meager supplies ran out, they faced an unthinkable decision: consume the dead or die themselves. This episode chronicles the psychological torment, the impossible moral choices, and the superhuman trek of two survivors who walked ten days through the frozen mountains to find rescue. A raw testament to human resilience and the terrifying price of survival. 00:00 Welcome and Housekeeping
01:25 Introducing the Podcast
01:48 Setting the Scene: The Andes Flight Disaster
02:08 The Crash
03:11 Immediate Aftermath
04:05 Struggle for Survival
15:55 The Search is Called Off
18:16 Facing the Unthinkable
20:06 The Grim Reality of Survival
21:01 A Desperate Decision
23:35 The Psychological Toll
25:44 Avalanche Strikes Again
27:18 A Daring Escape Plan
28:38 Journey Through the Mountains
35:36 Rescue and Aftermath
39:22 Legacy of Survival Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Check out our website! www.thecruxsurvival.com REFERENCES Primary Sources:

Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read (1974)
Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Nando Parrado (2006)
Out of the Silence: After the Crash by Eduardo Strauch (2019)

Technical Documentation:

Official Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 accident investigation reports
Medical journals documenting survivors' conditions upon rescue
Geographic surveys of crash site location
Aviation records and flight data

Frozen and Forgotten: Leon Crane's 120-Mile Walk Through Arctic Alaska | E213 Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

When a routine test flight goes catastrophically wrong, Army Air Forces Lieutenant Leon Crane parachutes into the Alaskan wilderness in the dead of winter—alone, with no survival gear, and temperatures at 40 below zero. The city kid from Philadelphia has never spent a night outdoors in his life. What follows is one of the most remarkable survival stories of World War II: 84 days in the Arctic, a 120-mile trek through brutal terrain, and a series of decisions that meant the difference between life and death. This is the story almost nobody knows about—the man who refused to die on a frozen mountain. Time Stamps: 00:00 Escape Ads with Patreon
00:46 Introduction to Crux True Survival Stories
01:10 Leon Crane's Harrowing Fall
02:48 The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
03:48 The Struggle for Survival Begins
04:19 The Fateful Flight Details
06:12 The Plane's Descent and Crash
09:48 Crane's First Night in the Wilderness
14:14 Days of Waiting and Desperation
17:38 The Decision to Move
20:38 Finding the Trapper's Cabin
23:27 Recovery and Reflection
26:10 Surviving the Wilderness: Rationing and Isolation
28:04 A Glimmer of Hope: Discovering the Map
30:06 The Desperate Journey Begins
31:09 Battling the Elements: Falling Through the Ice
34:11 Miraculous Rescue: Finding Shelter
35:58 The Final Struggle: Marching Towards Survival
38:05 The Unbelievable Reunion
42:34 Aftermath and Legacy
47:25 Lessons from Leon Crane's Survival
48:03 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/REFERENCES

Wikipedia - Leon Crane
Military.com - "How This Airman Survived 3 Months in the Alaskan Wilderness After a World War II Plane Crash"
Anchorage Daily News - "Lost in the wilderness for 81 days: The tortuous tale of Leon Crane's first Christmas in Alaska" by David Reamer
Adventure Journal - "Leon Crane Survived a Terrifying Plane Crash, Then 80 Days Alone in an Alaskan Winter"
Air & Space Forces Magazine - "Valor: Alone in the Arctic" (April 1997)
Heroes, Heroines, and History - "A WWII Pilot's Incredible Survival Story in Alaska's Frozen Wilderness" by Mary Dodge Allen
National Park Service - Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve documentation
Murphy, Brian. 81 Days Below Zero: The Incredible Survival Story of a World War II Pilot in Alaska's Frozen Wilderness
Valor Friday - This ain't Hell military history blog
Amazon.com - 81 Days Below Zero book listing and reviews
Hachette Book Group / Da Capo Press - 81 Days Below Zero publisher information
Goodreads - 81 Days Below Zero reviews and ratings

Green Boots Cave - The Controversial Mount Everest Death That Shocked the World | Disaster Strikes E212 Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes' on the Crux podcast, host Julie Henningsen delves into the harrowing story of David Sharp, a dedicated mountaineer whose third attempt to summit Mount Everest ended in tragedy. On May 15, 2006, Sharp was found unresponsive at 27,890 feet, seated next to the landmark known as Green Boots Cave. Despite attempts to help from several climbers, Sharp ultimately did not survive. The episode explores the decisions and conditions that led to this tragic outcome, the ethical dilemmas facing fellow climbers, and the broader implications for high-altitude mountaineering. Henningsen also contrasts Sharp's fate with the miraculous survival of Lincoln Hall, another climber left for dead but who managed to survive under similar conditions. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of mountaineering. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:59 The Tragic Encounter on Everest 03:34 David Sharp's Background and Climbing History 06:25 The Final Attempt and Its Challenges 07:13 The Controversial Basic Package 14:33 The Deadly Climb of 2006 16:37 Green Boots and the Final Resting Place 19:12 David Sharp's Final Hours 19:54 Turkish Climbers' Dilemma 21:50 Controversy and Confusion 22:44 Efforts to Save Sharp 24:35 The Aftermath and Public Outcry 27:29 Lincoln Hall's Miraculous Survival 31:53 Comparing Sharp and Hall 34:20 Legacy and Reflection 35:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts References

David Sharp (mountaineer) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sharp_(mountaineer)
Lincoln Hall (climber) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Hall_(climber)
Green Boots - Ultimate Kilimanjaro https://www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com/green-boots-on-mount-everest-who-was-he-how-did-he-die/
"Dying For Everest" (2007) New Zealand TV3 Documentary featuring interviews with climbers and expedition leaders
"Everest: Beyond the Limit" (2006-2009) Discovery Channel series featuring Russell Brice's Himex expeditions, Season 1 includes David Sharp incident
"Dead Lucky: Life After Death on Mount Everest" by Lincoln Hall (2007)
"Dark Summit: The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season" by Nick Heil (2008)
"Over the Top" - Outside Online (August 15, 2006) https://www.outsideonline.com/1909966/over-top
"The Tragic Death of David Sharp" - Eight Summits https://eightsummits.com/bills-articles/the-tragic-death-of-david-sharp/
"Lincoln Hall Rescue" - SummitClimb https://www.summitclimb.com/news/mef/lincoln-hall-rescue
Alan Arnette - Everest Coverage https://www.alanarnette.com
"Mortality on Mount Everest, 1921-2006: descriptive study" British Medical Journal (PMC2602730)

Crushed Beneath a Boulder | E211 Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the extraordinary tale of Kevin DePaolo, a 26-year-old adventurer from New York who finds himself pinned under a massive boulder in the Eastern California desert. Struggling with excruciating pain and the imminent threat of bleeding out, DePaolo's survival hinges on the quick thinking of his friend Josh Nelson, a network of rescue teams, and a daring nighttime helicopter extraction. Through a detailed narrative, listeners will experience the intense moments of fear, desperation, and incredible teamwork that ultimately saved Kevin's life. This episode not only highlights the importance of emergency preparedness but also underscores the power of friendship and human resilience in the face of life-threatening challenges. 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Meet the Hosts 01:09 Setting the Scene 01:41 The Accident Strikes 03:22 Immediate Aftermath and First Aid 05:42 Rescue Efforts Begin 12:22 Search and Rescue Team Mobilizes 16:44 Nighttime Rescue Operation 26:02 Medical Treatment and Recovery 27:14 Reflection and Gratitude 30:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Visit us at thecruxsurvival.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Sources 1. SF Gate - "'I'm going to die': Hiker recounts harrowing rescue in California mountains"

URL: https://www.sfgate.com/california-news/article/california-hiker-rescue-inyo-mountains-boulder-18560172.php
Date: December 18, 2023
Details: Interview with Kevin DePalo and his mother Ann, comprehensive account

2. SF Chronicle - "A daring rescue to save an injured hiker in the California wilderness"

URL: https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/california-mountains-rock-18549703.php
Date: December 17, 2023
Details: Detailed rescue operation, named SAR members (Tim, Matt, Dan, Isaac), technical details of pulley system

3. Reader's Digest - "Between a Rock and a Hard Place"

URL: https://www.readersdigest.in/true-stories/story-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-127875
Date: January 20, 2025
Details: Most comprehensive narrative, confirms Corporal Victor Lawson as SAR coordinator, detailed timeline

4. KMPH/KSEE (Fresno) - "Hiker crushed by boulder recovering at Fresno hospital"

URL: https://kmph.com/news/local/hiker-crushed-by-boulder-recovering-at-fresno-hospital-inyo-sar-search-rescue
Date: December 18, 2023
Details: Video interview with DePalo at Community Regional Medical Center

5. ABC30 (Fresno) - "A daring rescue to save an injured hiker in the California wilderness"

URL: https://abc30.com/videoClip/hiker-hiking-rescue-survival/14738335/
Date: April 30, 2024
Details: Follow-up story with Navy rescue details, HM2 Matthew Rector identified as medical tech

6. New York Times/Spokesman-Review - "Hiker pinned under boulder for 10 hours: 'I'm going to die up here'"

URL: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/dec/16/hiker-pinned-under-boulder-for-10-hours-im-going-t/
Date: December 16, 2023
Details: First major interview with DePalo

7. Active NorCal - "'I'm Going to Die Up Here': Hiker Recounts Harrowing 10-Hours Trapped"

URL: https://www.activenorcal.com/im-going-to-die-up-here-hiker-recounts-harrowing-10-hours-trapped-under-a-boulder-in-inyo-mountains/
Date: December 19, 2023

Four Days Underwater and in the Dark: The Tony Bullimore Miracle Rescue | E210 Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

When Tony Bullimore's yacht capsized in the violent Southern Ocean during the 1996-97 Vendée Globe race, rescuers feared the worst. The 57-year-old sailor was trapped inside the upturned hull in pitch darkness, surrounded by near-freezing water, with only a chocolate bar for sustenance. For four days, he clung to survival in conditions that would break most people—extreme cold, complete isolation, and the very real possibility that no one would find him alive. Then, on January 9, 1997, the Australian Navy arrived. What happened next captivated the world and proved that the human will to survive can overcome almost unimaginable odds. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Patreon Pitch 00:45 Meet the Hosts 01:10 Setting the Scene: A Dark and Cold Ocean 02:11 Tony Bullimore's Background and the Vonday Globe Race 05:20 Disaster Strikes: The Capsize 07:12 Surviving in the Upside Down Yacht 12:56 The Rescue Operation 20:24 Tony's Remarkable Survival and Aftermath 29:39 Conclusion and Listener Engagement REFERENCES:

"Tony Bullimore" - Wikipedia
"Occasional Paper 98: Life Line - the Rescue of Tony Bullimore" - Naval Historical Society of Australia
"1996-1997 Vendée Globe" - Wikipedia
"Rescues in the Southern Ocean" - Royal Australian Navy
"Round-the-world sailor Tony Bullimore, who survived four days in the Southern Ocean in 1997, has died" - KidsNews
"Gerry Roufs" - Wikipedia
"Story of the Week #39 Gerry Roufs" - Virtual Regatta
"Solo sailor Tony Bullimore dies aged 79" - MySailing
"Sailor Tony Bullimore became famous for surviving four days in capsized yacht" - Multiple UK news sources
"The legend - 1996-1997" - Vendée Globe Archives
"British sailor Tony Bullimore, 79, has died from 'rare form of cancer'" - Starts at 60
"RIP Tony Bullimore" - Classic Sailor
"Teen Sailor's Rescuers Take Costs, No Complaint" - CBS News
"When Wealthy Adventurers Take Huge Risks, Who Should Foot the Bill for Rescue Attempts?" - NBC News
Captain Raydon Gates personal account - Naval Historical Society of Australia

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Disaster Strikes: Two Miles-The Harris Levinson Tragedy | E209 Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Crux podcast's Disaster Strikes segment, host Kaycee McIntosh recounts the tragic story of Harris Levinson, a beloved teacher and experienced hiker whose dream hike on the John Muir Trail ended in disaster. On June 23, 2025, Levinson set out solo from Whitney Portal, California, aiming to tackle the more dangerous Mountaineers Route on Mount Whitney after failing to secure a permit for the main trail. Despite his extensive planning and experience, Levinson fell from a ledge just two miles into his journey. This episode highlights the cascade of decisions that led to his death, the inherent risks of wilderness adventures, and the importance of adhering to permit systems and carefully considering route choices. The story serves as a somber reminder that even skilled outdoors enthusiasts can make fatal mistakes in the mountains. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:40 The Harris Levinson Tragedy 02:06 Harris Levinson's Background 05:13 The Mountaineers Route 08:58 The Fatal Decision 11:59 The Search and Discovery 16:59 Lessons Learned 23:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References:

1. Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - "Vashon's heart breaks: Harris Levinson dies in hiking accident" (July 16, 2025)
2. Inyo County Search & Rescue - Official Facebook post and mission reports (July 2025)
3. SF Gate - "Well-known high school teacher falls to death on California trail" (July 13, 2025)
4. Mercury News - "Missing Sierra backpacker fell to his death below Mount Whitney, just 2 miles into his trip" (July 15, 2025)
1. SF Gate - "After couple's death on Mount Whitney, third hiker dies near mountain" (May 14, 2024)
2. Daily Bulletin - "Bay Area man is third hiker killed on Mount Whitney within five days" (May 17, 2024)
1. Inyo County Search & Rescue - Official Website (inyosar.com)
2. NEMO Equipment - "How to Climb Mount Whitney"
3. AllTrails - Mount Whitney Trail and Mountaineer's Route descriptions
4. Recreation.gov - Mt. Whitney Permit Information
1. SierraDescents.com - "Climbing Mount Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route" by Andy Lewicky
2. SummitPost.org - "Mountaineer's Route" page
3. Rock Climbing Realms - "Mastering the Mount Whitney Mountaineers Route (Class 3)" (May 13, 2025)
4. Backcountry Sights - "Mt. Whitney Mountaineer's Route" (October 28, 2021)
1. Outside Magazine - "Mount Whitney Has Turned Into an Overcrowded Catastrophe" by Megan Michelson (August 9, 2018)
2. SF Chronicle - "The death toll on Mount Whitney is higher than usual. Here's why" (April 28, 2022)
3. The Travel - "Why Many Hikers Never Return From California's Most Scenic Peak" (September 4, 2024)
4. Inyo County Search & Rescue - Various mission reports and safety bulletins
1. Multiple hiking guides and forums - John Muir Trail route information

Note: All web sources were accessed and verified in January 2026. Official search and rescue reports and news articles from July 2024-2025 provided the factual foundation for this episode.
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133 Days Adrift: The Longest Life Raft Survival Ever | E208 Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

In this week's episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen tell the extraordinary story of Poon Lim—a Chinese sailor who survived 133 days alone on a life raft in the Atlantic Ocean, the longest solo life raft survival ever recorded. When a German U-boat torpedoes the SS Ben Lomond in 1942, Poon Lim becomes the ship's sole survivor. Adrift with minimal supplies, he battles dehydration, starvation, and despair. Using nothing but his wits and will to live, he catches fish with makeshift hooks, snares seabirds, collects rainwater, and even kills a shark with his bare hands. Discover how Poon Lim endured repeated near-rescues, brutal sun exposure, and complete isolation—and what it truly takes to survive when hope seems impossible. 00:00 Introduction
00:47 Meet the Hosts
01:11 Setting the Scene: Poon Lim's Ordeal Begins
02:39 The Sinking of SS Ben Lamond
06:18 Surviving the Open Ocean
09:39 Crafting a Survival Strategy
11:32 Near Rescues and Psychological Strain
17:08 Storms and Setbacks
18:48 Desperation and Determination
19:49 The Struggle for Survival
20:25 Desperation and Hard Measures
21:26 Sharks: A New Challenge
22:19 Catching a Shark
26:03 The Mental and Physical Toll
27:02 Near Rescue and Renewed Determination
29:19 Final Rescue and Recovery
34:57 Post-War Life and Legacy
37:39 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/SOURCES

Wikipedia: "Poon Lim"
Wikipedia: "SS Benlomond (1922)"
War History Online: "Mess Steward Poon Lim Survived 133 Days Lost At Sea"
History Defined: "Surviving 133 Days at Sea: The Remarkable Life of Poon Lim"
Outdoor Revival: "Adrift - Poon Lim survived 133 days at sea on a wooden raft"
Factinate: "The Unbelievable Survival Story Of Poon Lim"
Today I Found Out: "The Man on the Raft: The Story of Poon Lim"
RECOIL OFFGRID: "Survival at Sea"
Ships Nostalgia: "Benlomond survivor WWII"

Surviving Niagara Falls: The Impossible True Story of 7-Year-Old Roger Woodward | E207 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In the summer of 1960, seven-year-old Roger Woodward was just a kid looking forward to a boat ride on the Niagara River to celebrate his sister's birthday—he had no idea he was about to experience something that should have been impossible. When a simple mechanical failure turned their peaceful afternoon into a nightmare, Roger found himself being swept toward the edge of Niagara Falls, powerless against 750,000 gallons of water rushing past him every second. What followed was a series of moments so improbable, so perfectly timed, that witnesses called it a miracle—from his sister's desperate fight for survival just feet from the brink, to Roger's own journey over a 188-foot waterfall. This is the story of the boy who fell into Niagara Falls and lived, and the ordinary people who became heroes in the most extraordinary circumstances. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Story Podcast
00:31 Listener's Suggestion: Roger Woodward's Story
01:23 Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder
02:34 The Fateful Boat Ride
05:49 The Upper Niagara River: A Deceptive Calm
06:47 The Point of No Return
12:06 The Rapids: A Fight for Survival
16:52 Deanne's Rescue
21:23 Roger's Ordeal in the Rapids
22:34 The Calm Before the Plunge
22:53 Facing the Abyss
24:34 Over the Edge
25:07 Rescue by the Maid of the Mist
27:41 Miraculous Survival
29:58 The Aftermath and Media Frenzy
36:17 A Life Beyond the Falls
40:02 Reflecting on Survival and Legacy
42:25 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/REFERENCES & SOURCES

"Bonus Episode: The Boy Who Went Over the Falls," Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe podcast, August 16, 2024
30th anniversary speech at Glengate Alliance Church, 1990
"50 years later, survivor recalls accidental plunge over Niagara Falls," Deseret News, July 17, 2010
"Sean Kirst: Survivor of plunge over Niagara at age 7 recalls terror at the brink," Buffalo News, July 13, 2019
"'Miracle at Niagara' — 50 years later," Lockport Journal, July 2, 2010
"Alabama man recalls fall over Niagara Falls 50 years ago," Rapid City Journal, 2010
"Miracle At Niagara Falls: The Roger Woodward Story," B&B Niagara, July 30, 2017
"Miracle At Niagara -- 7-Year-Old Survived A Plunge Over The Falls," The Seattle Times, November 26, 1998
"Roger Woodward - Niagara Falls Miracle, Incidents, Survivor, Story," InfoNiagara.com
"History of Niagara Falls Daredevils - Roger Woodward," NiagaraFallsInfo.com, February 8, 2017
"The 7-year-old who survived going over Niagara Falls," INniagararegion, March 31, 2023
"7-Year-Old Boy Survives Plunge Over Niagara Falls," Go Niagara Tours, July 31, 2025
"Amazing Story of a Seven-Year-Old who Survived Niagara Falls," The Vintage News, August 11, 2018
"Roger Woodward and Psalm 139," Words of Hope, April 19, 2021
"Niagara," The History Channel documentary, 1999
"Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic," IMAX film

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