Charlotte-Area Mother Found Alive In 'Miracle' Mountain Rescue

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. -- Rescuers found an injured mother who disappeared five days ago in Caldwell County, N.C. Her truck crashed down a 70-foot ravine.Amber Pennell, 21, was pinned in her truck for five days after the crash on Highway 321 north of Lenoir, N.C. Rescuers said she suffered from mild hypothermia, dehydration and other serious injuries. She was listed in critical condition Tuesday morning.They used rope to rappel down the 70-foot gully and put her on a stretcher around 8 p.m. Monday.Tommy Courtner, director of Caldwell County Emergency Services spotted Pennell’s truck."We saw a path in the kudzu, and we cut across. We saw the corner of the truck. And when we hollered down at her, we saw her stick her head out, which was a blessing to all of us," Courtner said.She disappeared after buying groceries and birthday invitations at a local store for her 3-year-old's upcoming party.Her husband, Mitchell Pennell, rushed to her side and cried."Thank you, Jesus! I knew my baby was alive! I love [the rescuers] so much. They did the best. They didn't give up," he said.
The family cheered as the ambulance left for the hospital. Many described it as a miracle. Rescuers and family gathered in a prayer circle after pulling Pennell out of her truck.One family member said, "We had a lot of praying going on, a lot of praying; that's what brought her back."