The Alaska State Troopers received a search and rescue request Friday, July 14th, at approximately 7pm from Elizabeth and Sonny Cooper who were stranded on the Black Creek Trail in the Petersville area.
The couple had gotten their ATV stuck, and could not make it out of the field without assistance. They were able to make a fire for a signal, and had some food rations to sustain themselves temporarily. Attempts were made the first night to reach the Coopers with a helicopter, but weather prevented any flights. An off-road rescue vehicle (ORV) rescue team was deployed by MAT-SU Rescue early the following day, July 15th, however, poor trail conditions lead to that team’s ORV getting stuck, and the victims still could not be reached.
Later in the afternoon of July 15th, the Army National Guard was able to reach the couple with a helicopter following a break in the weather.
Elizabeth and Sonny were rescued at approximately 2pm on the 15th and transported to Brant Airfield.
In total, the pair were stranded for about 19 hours. Troopers reported that, other than being wet, tired, and cold, the Cooper’s were in good medical condition.