Jazman Hock, her cousin Sarah Vida, and Vida’s 9-year-old son, Kayden Kovalcik, were rescued alive on Aug. 8 after becoming stranded in a Michigan forest during a tubing trip. The family’s pool rafts broke apart on the Muskegon River, leaving them lost in nearby woods for three days. Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and a Michigan State Police K-9 team located the group approximately three-quarters of a mile northeast of the Mill Iron Road Boat Launch. Dramatic rescue footage shows officers calling out to the family before reaching the injured and exhausted survivors.
| 1) | Family becomes stranded after rafts break apart |
| 2) | Three days of survival in the forest |
| 3) | Rescuers locate the missing group |
| 4) | Footage captures the emotional rescue |
| 5) | Multiple agencies coordinate the search |
Family becomes stranded after rafts break apart
The three family members were tubing on Michigan’s Muskegon River when the watercraft they were using broke apart. The rafts were intended for pool use rather than a river journey, according to a family account. After spending about four hours on the river, the group became separated from its route and lost in the surrounding forest.
The missing people were identified as Jazman Hock, Sarah Vida, and Vida’s son, Kayden Kovalcik. Their location near the Mill Iron Road Boat Launch became the focus of a coordinated search involving law enforcement, conservation officers, emergency responders, and volunteers.
Three days of survival in the forest
The family remained in the wilderness for three days before being found. They had packed protein bars and water, but the available food was given to 9-year-old Kayden Kovalcik. The two adults then survived on flowers, bark, and ants while waiting for help.
Rescue footage showed one woman with cuts and wearing a bathing suit, while Kayden Kovalcik was shirtless. The conditions illustrated the physical strain the group had endured after becoming stranded without adequate river equipment or a clear way out of the woods.
Rescuers locate the missing group
A Michigan State Police K-9 team and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers found the family at approximately 4:36 p.m. on Aug. 8. The group was located about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the Mill Iron Road Boat Launch.
In the video, rescuers move through dense grass and call for the family to respond. As the team approached, one officer urged them to make noise and yell so their position could be confirmed. The searchers then reached the survivors and began assessing their condition.
“We got lost on the river,” Kayden Kovalcik told rescuers.
Footage captures the emotional rescue
The recording shows the rescuers reacting with visible relief when they reach the family. One responder repeatedly told a woman “good job” and embraced her. Another instructed her to sit down because she was cut and might have difficulty walking.
The woman replied that she was forcing herself to continue. The exchange reflected the group’s exhaustion after three days outside and the immediate need to provide support and medical attention. The footage also captured the young boy explaining what had happened during the river trip.
Multiple agencies coordinate the search
Michigan State Police said the family was located alive and safe after a large response involving law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, search and rescue teams, and volunteers. Agencies established a unified command structure to share resources and coordinate the search.
The successful operation ended a three-day effort to find Jazman Hock, Sarah Vida, and Kayden Kovalcik. Officials credited the participating teams with working together to search the forest and locate the family near the river launch.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two women and a 9-year-old boy were stranded for three days. |
| 2 | The family’s pool rafts broke apart during tubing on the Muskegon River. |
| 3 | The adults reportedly survived on flowers, bark, and ants after giving their packed food to the child. |
| 4 | A K-9 team and conservation officers found the group on Aug. 8. |
Summary
The rescue of Jazman Hock, Sarah Vida, and Kayden Kovalcik ended a dangerous three-day ordeal near the Muskegon River. Their survival depended on limited supplies and the adults’ efforts to protect the child. A unified response by state police, conservation officers, emergency personnel, and volunteers led to the family’s safe discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was rescued in Michigan?
Jazman Hock, her cousin Sarah Vida, and Vida’s 9-year-old son, Kayden Kovalcik, were rescued.
Where did the family become stranded?
The family became stranded in a forest near Michigan’s Muskegon River after their rafts broke apart during a tubing trip.
How long were they missing?
They were stranded for three days before being located on Aug. 8 by a Michigan State Police K-9 team and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers.
How did the adults survive?
The family had protein bars and water, which were given to the child. The two women reportedly survived on flowers, bark, and ants.
