Michigan rescue video shows a family of three found alive after being stranded for three days following a tubing trip on the Muskegon River.
Michigan river rescue video captured the moment state officers found a family of three who had spent three days stranded in the wilderness after a tubing trip on the Muskegon River. The family was located on Aug. 8 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a Michigan State Police K-9 unit after officials searched thick brush and forested ground in the area.
The rescued group was identified as Jazman Hock, her cousin Sarah Vida, and Vida’s 9-year-old son, Kayden Kovalcik. In the footage, rescuers can be heard telling the family to make noise and shout as they moved closer through tall grass. The video also shows the emotional moment officials reached the group, with one rescuer urging an injured woman to sit down after noticing she was cut up and likely unable to walk well.
According to Hock’s mother, Teresa Hock, the family had been tubing on the river when their rafts broke apart. She said the tubes were only meant to be used in a pool. The trio told rescuers they had gotten lost on the river and had spent about four hours there before the situation worsened. Kovalcik, who appeared shirtless in the video, said the family had been on the river for four hours. One rescuer reacted repeatedly in disbelief as the team made contact.
“Michigan rescue video shows a family of three found alive after being stranded for three days following a tubing trip on the Muskegon River.”
The family also described how they managed to get through the ordeal. They had brought protein bars and water, but gave the food to the child. Teresa Hock said the two women survived by eating flowers, bark and ants. The video shows rescuers hugging one of the women and offering reassurance as the team worked to get the family to safety.
Michigan State Police later said in a post on X that the family was located alive and safe and that the result was what everyone involved had hoped for. The agency said many law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, search and rescue teams and volunteers took part in the effort. State police also said the family was found by an MSP K-9 team and Michigan DNR Conservation Officers about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the Mill Iron Rd Boat Launch at 4:36 p.m.
The operation showed how quickly a simple outing can turn into a survival problem when people lose their way outdoors. It also highlighted the role of coordinated search crews, K-9 teams and conservation officers in reaching people before a bad situation becomes fatal. For Americans who spend time on rivers, trails and public land, the takeaway is plain: even short trips can turn dangerous fast, and trained rescuers can make the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Who was rescued in Michigan?
Jazman Hock, her cousin Sarah Vida, and Vida’s 9-year-old son, Kayden Kovalcik, were found alive and safe.
We value your privacy 🍪We use cookies for essential features and, if you allow it, to send you a notification whenever we publish a new story. See our Privacy Policy.
🇺🇸
The Defender Morning Brief
5 stories Americans need to know. 3 minutes. Every morning. Free.
📱 On iPhone: tap the Share icon, choose “Add to Home Screen”, then open TheTrueDefender from your Home Screen and tap 🔔 to turn on notifications. (Apple only allows notifications for saved web apps.)
🔔
Stay Ahead of Breaking NewsGet alerts when major stories break — not every time we publish.Breaking news only. No spam. Turn off anytime.
1Tap the ••• menu at the bottom of the screen, then tap Share(in Safari, just tap Share in the bottom bar directly)2Scroll down the menu and tap Add to Home Screen3Tap Add in the top-right corner4Open TheTrueDefender from your Home Screen, then tap 🔔 Subscribe and choose Allow
📱 Add TheTrueDefender to your home screen for one-tap access.
