Alaska man unscathed after being pinned for hours by 700-pound boulder

Published: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 2:52 am

Alaska Man Survives Being Pinned by 700-Pound Boulder in Icy Creek

In a remarkable tale of survival, an Alaska man, Kell Morris, emerged unscathed after being pinned for three hours by a massive 700-pound boulder in a remote creek near Godwin Glacier, south of Anchorage. The incident, which occurred during a hike, saw Morris trapped facedown in frigid water. His survival is attributed to a combination of luck, his wife's quick thinking, and the swift response of local emergency services.

Morris's wife, Jo Roop, a retired Alaska State Trooper, played a crucial role, holding his head above water to prevent drowning while waiting for help. The rescue was further expedited by a sled dog tourism company that provided a helicopter to transport rescuers to the inaccessible scene. Once on-site, seven men used inflatable airbags and brute force to lift the boulder, freeing Morris.

The incident occurred on a rocky creek bed where Morris was hiking with his wife. He was caught in what the fire chief described as "basically an avalanche of boulders." Morris, who was experiencing intense pain, was incredibly fortunate that rocks around him prevented the boulder from crushing him. He was also suffering from hypothermia.

Morris was transported to a local hospital for observation and released with only minor injuries. He credits his survival to luck and his wife's actions. The incident has prompted a change in their hiking plans, with the couple now opting for established trails. The rescue highlights the importance of preparedness and the collaborative efforts of local emergency services and community members.

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