A mother of four in New Zealand who went missing during a hike six weeks ago has been found alive after a “remarkable” survival in mountainous bushland.
Shelley Crooks, 36, went for a four-day mountain hike before Christmas but disappeared after setting off from Punakaiki, a town on the South Island’s rugged west coast. She finally emerged at about 7 p.m. on Sunday near a walking track not far from the town and was spotted by a hiker. The rescuer gave her food and water and called emergency officials, who airlifted her to hospital.
Police said she injured her leg during her hike and then became disoriented but was able to make her way slowly out of the wilderness because of her “extensive” bush skills. “This is a remarkable story of survival,” said police sergeant Michel Bloom.
John Crooks, her father, said the family was delighted after a “terrible” six weeks. During the search last month, he said his daughter was a skilled hunter and frequently went on long hikes, leaving her children in the care of family members.
“She’s very strong and is always trying to keep fit and do new things,” he told The New Zealand Herald. “Shelley is a competent food gatherer, diver and she has lived without power as well… being alone doesn’t bother her.” Crooks, who has five-year-old twins and children aged 11 and 12, has not yet spoken publicly.
Bloom added: “[Ms Crooks] wants to express her gratitude to the tramper who found her and everyone involved in the search and rescue efforts to try and locate her.”
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