Montana Motorcyclist Survives 5 Days on Creek Water After Crash on Remote Mountain Road

The Incident and Initial Search

     Demoss was riding with two other motorcyclists when the crash occurred. His companions noticed his motorcycle parked on the roadside but failed to find him upon returning to check. They left a large note at a trailhead and continued their journey, assuming Demoss had turned back. They searched for him at a gas station and contacted friends and family, but their efforts yielded no results.

     After Demoss did not reappear, the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office was notified on August 12. The office immediately launched a comprehensive search operation, deploying drones, helicopters, and ground teams to cover a 99-mile stretch of the road. They examined road condition cameras and worked with Demoss’s cellphone provider to trace his phone’s signals. Divers were also prepared to search the river where Demoss’s bike was last seen. Despite these extensive efforts, no trace of Demoss was found, prompting authorities to scale back the search as days went by.

Survival in the Wilderness

     During those five days, Demoss faced extreme conditions. Unable to access food or other resources, he survived by drinking water from a nearby creek. Despite his severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung, Demoss remained determined to signal for help. He shouted at passing individuals, but his calls for help went unanswered.

The Rescue

     The turning point came on the fifth day of the search. Greg Common, a family friend of Demoss, was conducting a personal search when he noticed Demoss lying near a river. Common immediately used an emergency satellite communicator to send an SOS message, leading to the rapid dispatch of first responders. Demoss was airlifted to a hospital where he received emergency medical care.

Community Response and Recovery

     Ruth Rickenbacher, Demoss’s mother, expressed her immense relief and gratitude on social media, calling the rescue a miracle. She shared that Demoss had been severely injured, describing his condition as “shaken like a rag doll.” Recovery will be long and challenging, with Demoss facing a significant medical journey ahead.

     The community has rallied around Demoss and his family, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to support his medical expenses. This campaign has drawn substantial contributions, reflecting the strong community support for Demoss during his recovery.

The Broader Impact

     Zachary Demoss’s story highlights the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit and the critical role of community and friends in times of crisis. His survival against all odds and the dedicated efforts of those involved in his rescue serve as a powerful reminder of human strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.

     This incredible tale of survival underscores the importance of thorough search and rescue operations and the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals in remote and difficult conditions. Demoss’s experience will be remembered as a testament to both human perseverance and the vital role of community support in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.