During a solo hike earlier this month, Jacque Tietijen of Saratoga Springs took a serious fall near Bridal Veil Falls in Washington state. Fortunately, a pair of hikers noticed a trail of blood, followed it down a steep slope, and found Tietijen, unconscious but alive. They called for help and wrapped her in their coats to keep her warm until rescuers arrived.
Tietijen was airlifted to Utah Valley Hospital, where she’s receiving treatments for brain bleeds, skull and facial fractures, and a small tear in her carotid artery. For several days, she had to be intubated while the medical team monitored swelling in her brain. Tietijen is a veteran mountaineer who has completed thousands of hikes, including Mount Everest.
Her relatives say the decision by the two hikers to track what they saw on the trail likely saved her life. In a message posted on a crowdfunding page set up to support her recovery, Tietijen’s family writes about her deep love of nature and her strong bond with the outdoors. They add that she will fight to return to her family and to the activities she enjoys.
Source: NY POST
Photo: Jeremy Janus / iStock / Getty Images