Alaska Man Survives 'Without a Scratch on Him' After Being Pinned for Hours Underneath 700 Lbs. Boulder in 'Extreme Terrain'

Published: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:07 am

Alaska Man Miraculously Survives Being Pinned Under 700-Pound Boulder

An Alaskan man is incredibly fortunate to be alive after a harrowing ordeal in the Alaskan wilderness. Kell Morris, 61, survived for hours pinned beneath a massive 700-pound boulder near the Godwin Glacier, south of Anchorage. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 24th, during a hike with his wife, Jo Roop, a retired Alaska State Trooper.

The Seward Fire Department responded to the emergency in the challenging "extreme terrain" of the Fourth of July Creek headwaters. Initial access was slow due to the difficult conditions, with crews utilizing ATVs and foot travel. However, a volunteer firefighter from the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department, who also works for Seward Helicopter Tours, expedited the rescue by providing helicopter assistance, saving valuable time.

Morris was found in a boulder field, hypothermic and struggling with consciousness. Firefighters used airbags, ropes, and sheer force to lift the boulder and free him. His wife, Jo Roop, played a crucial role, holding his head above water to prevent drowning. After being rescued, Morris was re-warmed, and his condition improved. He was transported to Seward Providence Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, with no life-threatening injuries.

Morris, who was hiking to avoid Memorial Day weekend crowds, told CBS News he feels like the "luckiest man alive." Fire Chief Clinton Crites, who initially feared a body recovery, was astonished that Morris escaped "without a scratch." The rescue highlights the bravery of first responders and the critical role of quick thinking and innovative solutions in challenging environments.

Keywords: Alaska, boulder, rescue, survival, hiker, glacier, Seward, fire department, helicopter, hypothermia, injuries, extreme terrain, Kell Morris, Jo Roop, Godwin Glacier, Fourth of July Creek, Anchorage, Alaska State Troopers, Seward Providence Hospital, Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Clinton Crites

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