Tragic incident highlights the dangers of living off-grid without adequate survival skills

The story of a Colorado Springs family that perished in Gunnison County is a tragic reminder that trying to live unhinged without proper survival skills is a recipe for disaster.

In August 2022, Trevala Jara said goodbye to her stepsisters Rebecca Vance and Christine Vance as well as Rebecca’s 14-year-old son. KRDO reports that the trio sought refuge in the wilderness from a combination of factors, including pandemic-related instability and political changes. They were not formally trained in survival skills and living off the grid, and the family reportedly relied on YouTube videos to learn how to survive in the outdoors.

They were found dead in Gunnison County when a hiker came across a decomposing body at Gold Greek Camp in July 2023. Autopsies revealed they likely died of malnutrition and hypothermia. Vance’s 14-year-old son weighed just 40 pounds at the time of his death.

The Vance family’s story is a poignant reminder that a survivalist lifestyle should not be taken lightly.