Stranded Canadian Woman Found in Nevada Wilderness

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Rita Chretien, Missing Canadian Woman, Found Alive In Nevada After 49 Days In Wilderness (Video)

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Rita Chretien, 56 year-old Canadian woman, was rescued on Friday in a remote part of Nevada where she almost starved to death after being stranded for seven weeks. Her husband, Albert Chretien (59), is still missing.

The Chretien’s ran into trouble in northeastern Nevada on their scenic road trip to Las Vegas when their van got stuck in mud. The last time Rita saw her husband was on March 22, a few days after they got stuck, when he set off on foot with a GPS unit in search for help. Alone in the rugged terrain, Rita survived for seven weeks on water and snacks. During the seven weeks, Rita reportedly walked daily and read books to pass the time.

Hunters spotted her van on a national forest road in Elko County, Nevada, which is near the Idaho border. Rita was taken to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, ID, where doctors confirmed that she was getting close to death when rescue came. Presently, doctors report that Rita is in fair condition. She’s on a liquid diet and is very weak, but is making progress. She reportedly lost 20 to 30 pounds when she was stranded.

Rescue crews set out in search of Albert, but the rugged and confusing terrain have made it difficult for the crews. Rain, snow and high winds forced crews to end their efforts early Sunday. If the weather permits, crews will be searching again today. Air crafts couldn’t be used Sunday and travel was difficult because roads have washed out or covered with rock slides.