After reading the entire report including attachments, here are 2 facts that jumped out at me:

1. Eric Fuqua and Noah Pugsley, Edge Wireless employees provided investigators with cell phone data pinpointing the Bear Camp Road area as the area where the Kim Family made a cell phone call. (Pages 31–33, Part III Fact Finding Details)
2. Pilot John Ranchor located Kati Kim and her 2 daughters and James Kim’s foot prints using his own personal helicopter. (Pages 35-36, Part III Fact Finding Details)

None of these individuals were part of the SAR teams, Law enforcement, National Guard teams which were involved in the search effort. Through their own initiative, they provided data which was critical in locating the family.

My Personal Lessons Learned:

1. always communicate your travel itinerary (I will provide written copies of my itineraries to my family members)
2. have a Universal Battery Extender and new 4 AA batteries with me at all times
3. have a PLB, chemical light sticks and para-cord in my car and in my backpack
4. don’t leave your vehicle
5. use multiple map resources
6. heed the advice of locals
7. don’t assume that following a river will lead you to civilization
8. dress appropriately for the climate and terrain
9. always carry a well equipped emergency bag in your vehicle
10. always check the latest weather reports online
11. always re-think your assumptions
12. don’t panic
13. rely on your own resourcefulness – don’t assume someone will be looking for you
14. never drive unknown, unmarked, unpaved roads at night in inclement weather
15. prepare for worse case scenarios

Santacafe

What is truth?