Incredible Save: Missing Hiker with Broken Leg Rescued By Colorado Railroad Crew

Hiking in Colorado can be incredibly beautiful, but it can also be incredibly dangerous as well.

According to a report from the Durango Herald, a woman in her 20's from New Mexico was hiking along the Colorado Trail in the Deer Park area when she fell from a cliff face, broke her leg, and became stranded.

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Colorado Day Hike Turns Into Multiple-Day Nightmare

The hike was initially supposed to be for one day only, but the woman ended up spending two nights and three days stranded before being rescued.

The woman summoned the strength to drag herself to the bank of the Animas River where she hoped to signal for help from passing trains.

Luckily, she was able to do just that. On the morning of October 10, 2022, a passenger on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad spotted the woman waving for help and immediately alerted the train crew.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Crew Jumps Into Action

The crew alerted Delton Henry who was following behind the train in the inspection motor car and instructed him to make contact with the woman.

The woman told Henry she was injured and couldn't move which he then relayed to the railroad superintendent. Henry stayed nearby while 911 was called, and awaited the next scheduled train that had help aboard.

All Heroes Don't Wear Capes

A husband and wife duo, Nick and Kylah Breeden, who also don the titles of engineer and fireman were aboard engine No. 480, ready to do anything they could to help rescue the hiker.

Kylah is a fire (wo)man and trained paramedic with the Durango Fire department and gathered the necessary supplies to assist in rescuing the woman. Nick assisted Kylah in crossing the river to reach the injured woman and also carried blankets and maintained radio communication with the rescue team.

The woman was eventually airlifted to Montrose Hospital by a CareFlight helicopter called by the Silverton Medical Rescue Team.

Thank goodness for the passenger with a keen eye and the heroic crew with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.