The kids didn't make even half way without going hypothermic. Any way you look at this it was really bad decision making.

This is a truly sad and tragic story. This story is even worse for me as I know most of the rescuers involved. The area is almost complete wasteland consisting of a high desert plateau with acres and acres of lava rock. The road leads to a small reservoir and a few homes. Everywhere you look you have reminders of the proceeding years of "man vs. nature" and nature has usually won. The winter maintenance on this road is almost non-existent and usually done by the local residents. Plow the road open and the wind drifts it closed again almost right behind you. Conveyance in the winter is best by a high centered four wheel drive, four wheeler, snowmobile, horseback or farm tractor. The area also straddles three counties with Blaine and Lincoln being the only ones to get into the area in the winter months. Both teams have equal response time. Radio coverage is fair and even though in the distance(25 miles?)you can see a cellular tower, coverage is usually not available. The wind is an almost constant from a slight breeze to gusts near 60 m.p.h., though the wind usually averages 5-15 m.p.h. Then there is the fact there are very few, if any, trees. IIRC the rest area mentioned in other sources is a pit toilet which is lacking heat. Temperatures were as I understand it from -8F at night to +12 in the daytime. The elevation is about 4900'.

Obviously from what I have heard no one involved was prepared (warm clothing, getting help etc.) sheltering in place would mean preparations of the kind we speak of on this forum. IMHO it was foolhardy and stupid to allow the kids to attempt to walk to their mothers. As I write this, I understand the Uncle was also arrested and likewise charged.

This story is a poignant reminder that preparations are one thing, but surviving because you have the knowledge is another.

I am going to see if I can help my friends who need it. Thanks for letting me vent.

Take care,

Stargazer

+1 on all of OBGs' comments. Been there, done that, too many times. Got the PTSD to prove it, yet I still can't bring myself to retire, and I don't know why.

"...PTSD..."

Sorry to hear that. Like most highway cops, I long ago learned somehow, to put such things out of my mind asap. The anger at the parents lasted a lot longer...

PTSD??

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, sometimes referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, which is a more accurate description in my humble opinion as it better describes the problem.

JohnE

Post Tramatic Stress Syndrome...

Not wishing to prejudice the trial etc.... but I am wondering why he has been charged with murder?

I am also wondering if there is a reason why those children walked?

If what I think is correct (and I pray that I'm wrong) then Life with out parole is about right.

Lets keep an eye on this one.

All of the decision made in this instance seem to have been poor, starting with the decision to travel in a storm.
After getting his truck stuck it all just gets worse until it ends in tragedy.
I can not help but wonder if alcohol was involved...

Did you notice that he sent them off wearing pajama bottoms, a coat and boots?

Daddy could not have premeditated their murder much better than this 'accident' turned out.

I hope they go with a knowledgeable jury trial on this one.

Sue