Father and Son Survive Night in Wilderness Thanks to ‘Miracle’ Backpack Left Behind by Previously Lost Teen

Mar. 15, 2025

Julian Hernandez and his 12-year-old son were in the Red Mountain area near Snow Canyon State Park in Washington County on Sunday, Feb. 16, when the pair got lost, according toFOX affiliate KSTU.

The dad said he and his son were in a “tough situation” due to the frigid temperatures when they stumbled upon a backpack.

At the time, Levi tossed his backpack after he was stuck on a ledge overnight — hoping to remember it later. But he was unable to retrieve the bag when he was rescued, which “was a bit frustrating” because he spent two months filling it with nearly $300 worth of items.

More than a month later, Hernandez said most of those items helped him and his son survive their ordeal. “We didn’t have the proper things,” the dad told the outlet.

The two even used emergency blankets they found inside the bag to keep warm while they were stuck outside for 22 hours, according to KSTU.

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Ultimately, Levi was “really glad” to learn his backpack had helped someone survive a chilly night in the wilderness, according to KSTU. “That’s what the pack was intended for,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hernandez remains grateful and plans to “give back to the community, just like they did with us,” KSTU reported. He also hopes to meet Levi in the future.

source: people.com