The WORST Death in the History of Backpacking (with proof) 

Mike's wife Diane reached out to me and wanted me to pass along two messages to you all: 1. For those of you with remaining questions, I've linked an article in the description that goes into even more detail. 2. Quoting from Diane, "I would encourage you to remind your followers that there are real people out there that have actually experienced this and other tragedies that you tell. Their comments are seen and both their encouragement as well as their lack of empathy and judgement is noted. Thanks." Diane was appreciative that I shared her husband's story. I am appreciative that she has been so open about it because it's allowed the world to learn from it, and be inspired by it.

Here in Norway, the glaciers are melting. On a hike, we first found an old wristwatch. A little further in we found two frozen corpses, a man and a woman. It turned out to be a Teacher who had disappeared with a student in 1948. Preserved by the ice for many years. Now I am older, but I will never forget this experience.

My sympathy to his loved ones. This is the stuff of nightmares. When my dad was about 92, he wanted to go horseback riding trip alone in the mountains of Montana. My step brother called me 'cuz he was afraid Dad would fall or get bucked off or something. We talked about it, and let him go, because if he died it would be doing something he loved to do. He lived to 97... died in his sleep tho. Still miss him. Strongest man I have ever known.

I appreciate a real face telling this story and not an AI generated voice. GOOD JOB!!

So happy the pup made it home okay! God bless that pup , for giving his owner's family closure for the Reverend. RIP sir!

This is a mission that still has a deep impact on our organization. Peace and Blessings sent to Rev. Turner's family. Thank you for your mention of our incredibly dedicated volunteers. Keep up the good work, Kyle.

Happen to watch this video on the anniversary of my older son’s death… my younger son is now 22 and we’ve hiked all over these same ranges. I wish my older son could have experienced the glorious backcountry. God bless you Mike and Family.

Im a retired wildland firefighter. Too many times boulders have almost killed me or one of my crewmembers. Sometimes they're (boulder)just sitting there waiting for something or someone to just touch it... On one specific fire in the wilderness i was almost buried alive by one very large rock. As i was leading my crew around a small cliff, it decided to tip over right at me as i stepped around and near its base... i jumped one way n the crew went the other. We all just stood there in shock for a second afterward... it still haunts me today... God bless all of you out there.

It's great the journal was there to help the family deal with the grief, though some if it daunting. Also glad his doggo, Andy, made it back, I imagine that would of helped the family also, it certainly would of for me.

I love that you buy survival gear, and donate to charities. Your not out there getting ritzy cars, or blowing your loot on wasteful stuff. I respect that alot

Diane and family - If you see this, I am so sorry for your loss. I am also so sorry for the heartache you have endured because of others' cruelty. What possesses people to behave in such a way confounds the mind. No harsh words or judgment are needed, only love and compassion. God can, and will, make good come from this horrible tragedy. I cannot (and don't want to) imagine what you all have gone thru. If a hug would make things right, I'd give you all the biggest hug.

I, too was a solo hiker in the Wind Rivers. A female, I was doing one of my two medical rotations in Lander, WY, at this time. I spent two weekends backpacking and searching for this man, carrying flyers. I met his teen-age daughter and her friend who were dispersing flyers on trails at the time, and we spent a short time talking about Mike and his precious companion, Andy. What a sad day when I heard the tragic news and especially the details of this heart-breaking tragedy. I would normally participate in autopsies; but the news of Mike's discovery and circumstances were so highly publicized that the autopsy was greatly protected. Mike and his family are so loved; hundreds of us who never knew Mike mourned the family's and our own loss.

This one is really sad. He seemed like a really nice guy. Condolences to his family & friends. And thankfully his doggy survived ❤

Hi Kyle. As a solo woman hiker , this story makes me sad, but also teaches me a lot. Thank you for this amazing channel.

His words brought me to tears, to see in real time his struggle, frustration, despair, then final acceptance and peace...I think we can all relate to this. We're often in life situations we don't understand, and grapple with these same feelings. I'm glad he left this life opening his heart to the God he loved, and I hope that gives some peace to his family and friends. Thanks for sharing this story, it was well told and I found it really moving. RIP Father Mike.

As a priest, learning of Reverend Turner's deep spirituality is so respectable, he wrote so eloquently about Heavenly Father and he was very much on a great path. He was obviously an intelligent and complex man. A deeply spiritual and curious person. I gotta respect that completely. Rest in peace Reverend.

I really like that you've started donating to S&R and are encouraging others to do so as well.

My husband is a solo hiker and this is an example of why he carries a gps tracker. Sad story, RIP ❤

Oh that’s so sad, but what he wrote I understood. I got a lump in my throat. My husband died but not alone like this but I often wonder what he was thinking before. The day before he did some uncharacteristic things and I still feel like he knew something . We were sitting in the living room that evening and he said my name so I looked at him and he said I love you, Robin. He’d tell me he loved me but not so pointed like that. He also sad he was sorry to me and I didn’t like that. He didn’t make it through the night. I was at least grateful that our last spoken words go each other were that we loved each other. Having faith in God gives us an inner peace, which is what Mike had at the end. God welcomed him with open arms. ❤

He kept his Faith until the end. That is inspiring as fuck, I cried a little bit

RIP Mike Turner. The fact you never gave up thru your ordeal is truly amazing.

What a story, compassionately told. Thanks, Kyle, for sharing. I'm glad his body was found & his dog survived. At least his family had answers.

This is such a tragic story, my heart goes out to Rev Mike’s family and loved ones. His fortitude is amazing.

I cried listening to this. RIP Mike. I wish the best to his wife, kids, family and friends. He seemed like a good, Godly man

Sad and tragic story. It’s amazing that the dog survived. Excellent video with the added graphics and concise description

This story essentially describes my worst fear. I'm actually most afraid of tight spots like a chimney, a narrow part of a cave or falling into a crevice, being trapped in place is right up there. To imagine those ten days, trapped and praying for help, fills me with a deep unease.

You did a very nice job telling this story. Very respectful.

Absolutely heartbreaking story. My heart goes out to his family. I am glad the dog survived, but I can imagine the dog was traumatized by his beloved owner's death.

Brutal story. Glad Reverend Mike had his dog Andy by his side. I know Andy stayed with Mike and gave him some solace until the bitter end. Best friends are like that * Edited to say how are we getting into an argument about whether humans are more valuable than dogs or other animals? This situation involved a man, Mike, and his dog, Andy. Mike unfortunately didn’t survive, but Andy did. Hopefully they comforted each other during this horrific ordeal. It begins and ends there

After being subbed for a while I would be willing to bet that Kyle does not hate hiking.

That's so sad. So, so sad. I hope Mike found all the truths, enlightenments, justification and secrets of the universe that the afterlife brings. May God bless his family.

Rule #1, NEVER go alone

This is terribly sad. I've hiked The Wind River Range; on a 4 day, 56 miles, 11,000+ ft, backpacking trip, with my aunt and uncle, after I graduated high school, back in the summer of 1976. It's beautiful and treacherous country, even on a trail, let alone going off trail. Safety first! Never hike alone! RIP.

Mike's ordeal is heartbreaking but also beautifully meaningful. He did not die in vain. In 2011 Garmin came out with the device that included the sos feature made available thru satellite technology. Glad that you encourage people who go into the wilds to carry one on their bodies. Thanks Kyle

I love your honourable way of supporting the rescue companies with no gain for yourself in mind. That is a wonderful attitude that we can all learn from and take forward with us

The greatest point we are missing is pastor Mike's unfailing faith and trust in his God right to the end. May his family be blessed and comforted

I just watched a video about a backpacker who went out in November and got caught in an early winter blizzard. He found an old outhouse and survived for two months in it on a bag of horse oats that he found in a shed. Another hiker found his body in the outhouse in April with a note. That sounded pretty horrific.

A number of years ago while on a solo trip in the Sierra this almost happened to me. I was scrambling up a talus and boulder field on my way to the two Snow Lakes above 4th Recess Lake when a boulder I stepped on shifted underneath me. I was able to step off it quickly while the boulder slipped into a crevice beneath me. Needless to say my heart missed a beat and the remainder of the ascent was fraught with fear of what might have happened. I still think about it often and this video brought it all back in technicolor. Be safe out there, brothers!

I got choked up a bit. Mike did not blame god or make any excuses….he told his wife before he left, know I will be thinking of you no matter where I am. I believe that and he showed it. What a man of family and faith.

This is so sad These kinds of tragedies are the reason I stay away from these beautiful treacherous places. What a powerful testimony of enduring faith. Much respect and love for his family and friends. Thank you for sharing 🙏

I remember the Mike Turner story. I was in Montana backpacking at the exact time he went missing. Yeah, that was a different time, no GPS, just paper maps and guide books and maybe in professionally guided tours or expeditions there might have been a super expensive satellite phone. However, we didn’t even have cell phones back then and used public phones and calling cards. In order to get help you would have had to hike out. Different times. Man, I knew right away you’d talk about him. It’s so weird to remember what I have done and where I have been at the exact time this man went through this. I was so gutted when I’ve learned of his demise. So sad. 😔

This was the hardest story to listen to that you have covered, so far. I was crying through most of it. So heartbreaking but inspiring testimony of faith. Its also amazing the pup survived. 😢🙏❤️

Thank you for telling Rev. Mike's story. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and community. Hikers today are so blessed to live in a time where GPS and emergency beacons are more widely available. I sincerely hope Reverend Mike's faith and beloved dog were comforts to him in his last moments.

You told with this story with the empathy it deserves. My condolences to his family. May they meet again in the next life. God bless.

To Diane, thank you for allowing this story to be shared ,I know it cannot be easy reliving this every time you see this. ,sending you and the children much love and hugs and I know your husband is watching you and the children from above and he is proud of you .

Omg… new horror unlocked, I thought getting lost, wandering aimlessly, no food or water was bad. I can’t imagine what this man went through, to be so helpless..and alone. My condolences to his family. I’m so very glad his dog made it.

So sorry for the loss of your husband Diane! Condolences to iou and everyone who knew him😢😢

That poor man, straight up Job story here. God bless his family in their grief

I'm hoping the dog Andy kept him company until he died, so he didn't die alone.

In case anyone scrolled before watching, the dog lives.

A man with a very strong conviction. That was a very sad story.

My condolences and prayers for Pastor Mike's family and friends.

I heard about this story somewhere a while back and it is one of the saddest I think I've ever heard. It's one of the ones that stays with me.

Motorcycle riding alone in the CA/AZ desert I came across a deserted dirt bike. It was only a few years old, good shape. I hollered ought to see if anyone was around. I had found it on it's side, in a wash. You'd have to be close by to see it there, but on top of the wash, you could see for a good 25 miles or so. Even still, I rode all around the area to see what I could find. I was on BMW GS Motorcycle, so I was limited where I was able to go, like you could've on foot. Or on a dirt bike. I even camped a night there by it to see if someone would show up. It just felt weird, like someone was in trouble. Or someone was watching me. This was in the days before cell service was everywhere, or even GPS, or SOS Spot. I didn't have a SAT Phone either. I tried starting the bike, and it ran fine. Plenty of fuel too. I got it oughta the wash, and parked it where it could be seen on the trail. I also revved the two stroke motor as loud as possible hoping someone would call out. I rode it around for a few hours, and again; nothing, nobody. The second day, I had to get going. I marked on my map where it was, and annotated the serial number (it did not have a license plate) and set off for a hard top road that could take me to a police station, or ranger office. The third day, I did find a police station in AZ. They took a report, but said that no one had been reported missing. Okay, so I went over the line into California. Same thing. Because where I marked on the map, the officers each said essentially ''nobody missing here, must have been reported in the other state''. At that time, they did not bother to call the other states municipality, as far as I know. It really upset me. I even considered taking more vacay and going back out there. But, I just went home. I wanted to go back out and check again, but honestly, I was so freaked out that I couldn't get the courage up to go back. I'd call the police every few weeks. No one reported missing. They did go and get the dirt bike. They could not discern what had happened. Or even figure out the owner. The AZ police told me that it didn't seem like someone had hijacked or killed the rider. Both departments said they visited the site. They said there was no evidence of a crash, or blood, broken parts, signs of struggle or rubbish. Nothing. They concluded that what had happened was that it probably fell off the back of a trailer and the driver didn't notice and then couldn't subsequently find it. So it just got left. The AZ cops said they had dogs out there, and there was absolutely no hits. There findings are probably true, but still. I am telling you, I think something went down out there. I have not ridden in that area sense, and have no plans to go back. I did stop being so cavalier about riding by myself. Anyway, weeks became months, became years, became decades. I would go longer between calls for info. I recently called, having been a few years. Both departments had a lot of turnover of personnel the past few years. Nobody could find anything about it, but said all cases have been put into a new system. But all that was converted were cases with 'standing' whatever that is. A report about a lost and found motorcycle in the desert would not have been converted. I still think about it, and pray about it frequently.

I lived nearly 10 yrs mostly alone in the wilderness in the western U.S. No one normally wants to die unnecessarily but I deeply love the wilderness and will only make the observation that the Reverend certainly passed in a beautiful place.

My condolences and best wishes to his family... And just want to say that I like the fact that you shout out these volunteer search and rescue teams, they really are the unsung heroes of the backcountry. Since I'm not really in a place to send any money I always try to like, comment, and share the video so more people in a better position will hopefully see it.

oh boy, tears. My heart hurts for him and his family. Peace is with you now, Mike.

I've been a follower of yours for about six or seven months now & have watched a big portion of your videos by this point & it has turned me onto many more of these kind of stories . I can honestly say this has got to be the one that stands out the most to me , this is truly a horrific situation & my heart really goes out to Mike & his loved ones !!! This was truly a man to look up to & aim to be like yet in the end he was forced to die in a way that forced him to review his life , his lord & the surroundings around him that not many will & I hope that his life & loved ones comforted him in the end .....

Thank you for sharing this story. I can’t stop crying. Diane you are an amazing woman! Sending you and your family love. May not mean much all these years later but it has made me think twice about solo hiking especially without a gps. ❤❤❤

As a man who has hiked alone in dangerous desert and mountain landscapes, before communication technology advanced to current level, I am so very glad to have survived some very scarey times. It is so very sad to learn what ended the life of The Reverend Turner. I hope many hikers will learn from this video to have safety in mind when in great wild places.

This was such a sad heartbreaking story. I had a hard time watching it. I am so glad his dog survived. My heart goes out to Rev. Turner’s family and friends.

Wow! Praise GOD for loving us so much more and above all that we are able to think or imagine. Thank You Father for the grace and mercy you certainly showed to your servant, Mike Turner.

This is such a beautiful testament to faith, and how very short this life is. We tend to get angry and bitter towards God, when we suffer-I’m sure even to the point of the impending doom of a long suffering death. He didn’t let that stop him from loving and praising God. That’s exactly when our faith is tested the most. God bless his family, his wife, Diane, and his dog, Andy. This made me cry. Thank you for covering this.

Such a sad story. I feel bad for the guy. What a miserable way to die.

I almost died in the Wind Rivers 2.5 years ago from high-altitude pulmonary adema. Lungs progressively filled up with fluid until I couldn’t lift my pack and almost passed out after 50 paces, this was on day 4/5. ER docs said I was within 12 hrs of death.

I wrote a short story, unpublished, that is very similar to this story, except the man was buried in the collapse of his hermit retreat. In the end, my character says the same thing that Mike did at the end of his life. Life or death, love of God endures. The answer to suffering is not despair nor rage at God. It is courage and faith. Death is not the end. It is another doorway. God bless Mike Turner's good soul. I have no doubt he is with God in eternity. I hope his family is prospering , even with their grief.

In his last hour, Jesus also felt abandoned by God. "Why hast thou forsaken me?"

This is heartbreaking. To his loved ones: I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mike seemed like an amazing human and I cannot even begin to fathom the amount of pain and torture you all went through losing him. I hope and pray that the passing of time has helped lessen this pain and I strongly believe you will see him again.

I live in Idaho and clearly remember this story. (My former In-Laws were members of Boone Memorial) Mike's faith was remarkable and inspiring. My heart goes out to his family.

I've watched tons of your videos. This is the saddest story I've ever heard you tell. Legit tears.

I'm in tears! So sad for Mike. Rest in peace brother

I've never heard about Mike before now... Thanks Kyle..

I’m so glad you remind people to use a GPS while out in the wilderness. I keep mine hanging from my shoulder strap while hiking or kayaking, no matter how short or long of a trip I’m taking. Keep up the good work, love the videos.

I'm glad he had the dog with him. At least he had some physical companionship in those final days. God never left him. But I'm sure the dog brought comfort as well as the Father God. May God bless the family and bring peace to anyone who is going through the grief of losing someone they love.

Stumbled upon this Channel and pleased I did. A haunting story but one of courage in the face of great adversity. Condolences to your family and friends RIP.

I’m thankful that his family was willing to share share Mike’s writings. A tragic situation and his words provide insight to a heartbreaking situation.

He ran the race and kept his faith until the end. He's so inspiring❤

Great job Kyle! I remember hearing about this when it happened to Mike. My condolences to his family. Yes, the Wind River mountains can be very dangerous.

I really appreciate your videos, apart from the fact that you are helping other hikers. The respectful way you tell the stories of those who sadly lost their lives. Thank you

What a truly heartbreaking story. My sincerest condolences to his family. I lost my brother to the mountains as well. Mercifully, it was an avalanche that didn’t afford him much time to think, let alone suffer. Though I’m sure there’s no other place in the world he would’ve rather met his end. May the memories of Mike bring his loved ones peace in their darkest hours.

It's always a great day when Kyle uploads

Reverend Turner's story was very much on my wife and my minds when going into the Winds for the first time, and besides the obvious of teaching us lessons and helping us be prepared, we were awed, even then, with the equanimity he showed. This was 21 years after his tragic death, and since then my wife, daughter, and I (she started hiking and fishing with us in easy access areas at 3, and deep in the wilderness at 4) have traversed all over the Winds - we go in for Golden Trout and some even rarer salmonids - and we are now even more convinced than ever that where Rev. Turner is now is very much like the Winds in late June, except with no mosquitoes. I even traversed the fateful part of this great man's route last summer (scouting it out before bringing the missus and daughter), and I stopped to pray by that little pond just south of the pass. One who has not been deep into the Winds and spent serious time there could even fathom how quantitatively and qualitatively more wild, unexplored, and difficult the terrain particularly in that deep area is, compared even to any other wilderness area or mountain range. I look forward to meeting Rev. Turner one day, and I am sure he knows how he has taught survival lessons to so many, and brought solace to us as well. R.I.P. ☦

This is so tragic. If there’s anything that can bring his family comfort its that he had the loving support of all them to fulfill his need to go on these solo journeys, and that he was in such a beautiful place when he passed. And it was not in vain, as many will learn from this. My deepest condolences to Mikes wife and children. RIP Mike Turner

Very terrible way to go. It is good that he was able to record his thoughts and emotions during this. I can’t imagine. Bless his family and friends.

This Pastor went through the stages of grief during his ordeal. What a sad story for him and his family. So many lessons that we can take away. The one at the forefront of my mind is staying the course, and not getting distracted by another way that seems better when I’ve committed to another. What a difficult place to be in for days on end and no one passing by.

Funerals aren’t for the dead, they’re for the people left behind.

Absolutely devastating. Thoughts and prayers with family

What a sad story. You are a good story teller, sir. Hiking alone in a deep wilderness like that just seems so reckless. But, to each his own.

I balled my eyes out when they released his journal and I paired it up with the knowledge his dog stayed with his body until he almost died.

I am so so sorry this happened to this man. What a terrible death. Crying my eyes out. RIP. 💔

Great job being a real person with a real voice and human feelings and thoughts. It makes the story better.

Very sad story. Heart goes to his friends and family. Mike has wonderfully run his race; blessings.

That is scary. One of my worst fears is to be trapped immobile somewhere. You can live a long time before you die. Waiting for god is just as severe.

Condolences to him and his family. Thank you for sharing this. Even out in nature we always have to stay completely aware.

Thanks for sharing this story. i’m so glad that he left his notes…I can truly relate. God bless his wife.

This is so sad. And a story of an incredible individual. I know I wouldn't have that grace in that situation. I'd be hollering, weeping and writing some unpleasant stuff that wouldn't be printable.

If I were this man’s family, I would be very thankful that my loved one’s story fell in the hands of Kyle. Kyle, you shared the story with the utmost respect and compassion. My heart is so moved, and I truly think I will spend the rest of the day pondering on what is important in life. I’m really thankful that after binge watching so many of your videos ( because I only “met”you within the last few months) … I can truly say you have grown. The earlier videos depicted a certain carefree attitude that I do love to see, but sometimes it was coupled with a less introspective youth spirit. All normal and good, but to see you growing into such a young man of integrity and high character is truly a privilege. inspiring. Very important stories and histories of unfortunate victims of nature’s unforgiving harshness… Their history and stories are MORE than safe in your hands. They become lessons and reflections of the necessary, humility, and gratitude that we need to navigate life weather in the natural or societal wilderness. May God bless you ALWAYS, friend!

I gotta say, Kyle. I watch a lot of these types of videos, I've enjoyed true crime for years, I'm used to detailed and heartbreaking stories and I always take them in stride. This story had me in tears by the end. That poor man, I cannot imagine being in that situation. I admire his ability to keep his faith throughout, and I found the wife's statement about living fully involving some risk. Thank you for telling this story, I'm grateful to have heard about Rev. Mike Turner's experience .

Finally someone understanding that to fully live you take risks. Very wise and strong thoughts from Diane.

Just an unimaginable tragedy. May his memory be a blessing.