The story of a Colorado Springs family who died in Gunnison County is a tragic reminder that attempting to live off-grip without proper survival skills is a recipe for disaster.
In August 2022 Trevala Jara said goodbye to her step-sisters Rebecca Vance and Christine Vance, and Rebecca’s 14-year-old son. KRDO reports the trio sought refuge in the wilderness from a culmination of factors, including pandemic-related instability and political shifts. They were not formally trained in survival skills and off-grid living and the family reportedly relied on YouTube videos to learn to survive in nature.
They were discovered deceased in Gunnison County when a hiker stumbled upon a decomposed body at Gold Greek Camp in July of 2023. Autopsies revealed they likely perished from malnutrition and hypothermia. Vance’s 14-year-old son weighing just 40lbs at the time of his death.
The Vance family’s story serves as a poignant reminder that a survivalist lifestyle is not to be taken lightly.