Terrifying Muskegon River Tubing Trip Ends in Rescue

Two women and a boy went missing for three days while tubing on the Muskegon River. The DNR and MSP searched for them after finding their tubes along the riverbank. Watch the rescue video.

Two Women and a 9-Year-Old Went Tubing, Then Never Returned

Thousands of people tube down the Muskegon River each year, making it a popular family activity. But with vast stretches of land along the river in several areas, it’s important to stay on the river and avoid venturing off course.

Jazmin Hock and Sarah Vida, both 28, along with 9-year-old Kayden Kovalcik, went tubing last week but never returned home. Kayden’s father, Brent Kovalcik, who is Vida’s ex-husband, helped locate the vehicle they had been traveling in at the Maple Island Boat Launch. A window on the vehicle was found broken which later turned out to be an unrelated theft.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources officers and Michigan State Police troopers searched for the three missing tubers. Their first major clue came when they found the tubers’ tubes along the riverbank, along with a child’s footprint leading into the woods.

After three days of searching, rescue crews and a K-9 team located the two women and the boy after hearing the three respond to their calls from deep within the wilderness.

Missing Tubers Survive 3 Days in the Woods

UpNorthLive reported that it was an emotional moment when rescuers found the two women and young boy alive Friday after three days in the woods. The three had reportedly been using inflatable rafts that broke, sending them off course and into the surrounding forest, where they became lost in the wilderness.

Hock and Vida survived by eating flowers. After the protein bars they had brought for Kovalcik ran out, ate bark and ants because he didn’t like the taste of the flowers.

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All three were taken to the hospital following their rescue. Kovalcik was released, while Hock and Vida remained in the hospital for several more days.. Hock later had to return to the hospital to be treated for an infection in her feet and legs.

👇BELOW: Where to Go Tubing Near Grand Rapids This Summer👇

Lazy River Vibes: Where to Go Tubing Near Grand Rapids This Summer

Floating down the river with your friends, a cooler full of drinks, and nothing on the schedule? Locals say these are the best places near Grand Rapids to make that summer dream a reality.

Even better, many local outfitters make it easy with tube rentals along with drop off and pick up service so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and float.

Gallery Credit: Janna