A smiling couple sits on a chairlift.
Share this @internewscast.com

A HIKER miraculously survived being pinned face down by a 700 pound boulder for three hours during a horror trek in Alaska.

Kell Morris pulled through the terrifying ordeal thanks to his wife’s quick thinking, escaping with just minor injuries.

A smiling couple sits on a chairlift.
Kell Morris and his wife Jo Roop in Sandpoint, IdahoCredit: AP
Aerial view of a creek in a forest, seen from a helicopter.
The creek near Seward, Alaska, where Kell Morris was trapped under a 700 pound rockCredit: AP
Person trapped under a rock near Seward, Alaska.
Kell Morris trapped under the 700 pound rockCredit: AP
Map showing location in Alaska where a man survived being pinned by a 700-pound rock.

He became trapped during a hike with his wife Jo Roop near Godwin Glacier, south of Anchorage.

The couple wanted to avoid the big crowds, so they set out on an isolated trail behind a state prison.

Morris noticed dangerous boulders along the route, some weighing up to 1,000 pounds, and tried to avoid them as best as he could.

But then suddenly a 700-pound boulder slammed him 20 feet down into an icy cold creek, trapping him in the water.

“I was coming back and everything, the whole side slid out from under me,” the 61-year-old said.

Luckily, the way the rocks around him landed supported the full weight of the boulder, preventing it from completely crushing him.

But he still felt and intense pain in his left leg as he lay trapped in position.

Morris told the Associated Press: “When it first happened, I was doubtful that there was going to be a good outcome.”

His wife, a police officer and former state trooper, quickly came to the rescue.

She attempted for about 30 minutes to pry him out from underneath the massive rock, but then went to try and find phone signal.

Shock vid shows hero cops pull driver from car just SECONDS before its obliterated by speeding train on level crossing

Fortunately, she needed to travel only about 300 yards to reach 911, and her background in law enforcement enabled her to guide rescuers to the precise location.

A volunteer at the Bear Creek Fire Department heard the call and managed to fly a helicopter to the scene.

Firefighters would use the helicopter to access the scene as their all-terrain vehicles could not reach the spot.

By the time they got there, Morris was hypothermic, but was aided by his wife holding his head above the water.

“I believe that without the help of that private helicopter, it would have taken us an additional 45 minutes to reach him, and I’m uncertain he had that much time,” stated Seward Fire Chief Clinton Crites.

Emergency responders used airbags designed to help people get out of wrecked vehicles to slightly lift the boulder.

“But then it just became an all-hands brute force of ‘one, two, three, push,” Crites added.

“And seven guys were able to lift it enough to pull the victim out.”

An Alaska National Guard helicopter got them out of the creek with a rescue basket.

Morris spent two nights in hospital for observation, but only endured minor injuries.

He has since described himself as the luckiest man alive. “And luckier that I have such a great wife.”

“I was very lucky. God was looking out for me,” he added.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Olympics 2026: St. Viator High School cheers for Gurnee, IL native Danny O'Shea and Ellie Kam, Team USA figure skating winners

Olympics 2026: St. Viator High School Celebrates as Gurnee’s Own Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam Triumph in Figure Skating for Team USA

Danny O’Shea’s journey to Olympic glory culminated in winning the top honor…
Federal judge blocks California law forcing ICE agents to remove masks during operations

Federal Judge Halts California’s Mask Removal Mandate for ICE Agents: What It Means for Law Enforcement Operations

A federal judge in Los Angeles has issued a ruling on Monday…
Former Jacksonville teachers union leaders sentenced to prison for $2.6M fraud

Ex-Leaders of Jacksonville Teachers Union Receive Prison Sentences for $2.6M Fraud Scheme

In a significant ruling on February 9th, a federal judge sentenced Terrie…
Asking Eric: Conflict at concert stage ruins band fan’s tradition

Fan Tradition Shattered: Eric’s Concert Conflict Sparks Uproar Among Devoted Band Followers

Dear Eric, For over 20 years, I’ve been a regular at local…
Jutta Leerdam wins gold, breaks Olympic record as fiancé Jake Paul cries

Jutta Leerdam Secures Gold and Sets New Olympic Record as Fiancé Jake Paul Celebrates with Emotion

Jutta Leerdam achieved exactly what she set out to do in Milan.…
Lakers' rebounding woes set tone in loss to Thunder

Lakers’ Struggles on the Boards Pave Way for Defeat Against Thunder

LOS ANGELES — In the high-stakes world of the NBA, it’s often…
Elgin, Bartlett, Sleepy Hollow customers say Guy Landmeier of G and L Decorating took money, didn't finish home remodeling jobs

Homeowners in Elgin, Bartlett, and Sleepy Hollow Accuse G and L Decorating’s Guy Landmeier of Incomplete Renovation Projects and Unfulfilled Contracts

In Chicago, the ABC7 I-Team is delving into a series of allegations…
Anna Kepner’s cruise ship death: New Florida subpoenas could offer clues into homicide investigation

Unraveling Mystery: Teen Under Federal Investigation After Tragic Cruise Ship Incident with Anna Kepner

The stepbrother of a Florida teenager who passed away on a Carnival…
Brown University shooting victim 'froze' when detectives showed her image of suspect, police report shows

Brown University Shooting Victim Identifies Suspect in Chilling Police Report Encounter

A woman who survived the shooting at Brown University was visibly shaken…
Are the Banks Destroying Your Savings?

Is Your Savings Account at Risk from Banking Practices?

This content is sponsored by The Oxford Club, penned by Chief Income…
Social media 'addicting the brains of children,' plaintiff's lawyer argues in landmark trial

Landmark Trial Unveils Claims of Social Media’s Impact on Children’s Brain Development, Lawyer Argues

In Los Angeles, a critical legal battle has commenced, with attorney Mark…
DEI Pilot Quotas Endanger Air Passengers

Concerns Arise Over DEI Pilot Quotas and Passenger Safety

The insidious push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the airline…