A 14-Year-Old Girl Found Safe After Being Lost in the Mountains
A 14-year-old girl who went missing during a family camping trip in Utah’s remote Uinta Mountains was found safe more than 24 hours after she became disoriented on her way back from the campsite bathroom. The incident turned into a 25-hour search and rescue operation, which ultimately ended with the girl being located and reunited with her family.
Maya Suisse, from Cache Valley, was camping with her family in the Painter Basin area near Kidney Lakes when she got lost. According to Maya, the situation began when she went to the bathroom and then became confused about the direction to return to the campsite. “I couldn’t figure out if I was supposed to be going east or west – and I went the wrong way,” she explained in an interview.
Instead of panicking, Maya decided to stay put after finding a trail with a sign. She believed that her grandfather, who is familiar with the trails, might be able to find her there. “I just hung out there, and then I just slept on a rock,” she said. Despite the cold night, Maya remained calm and focused on staying warm by curling up on the rock and covering herself with her shirt.
The search for Maya began immediately after her family reported her missing. A large-scale effort was launched, involving ground crews, helicopter teams, and local volunteers. The dense terrain made the search particularly challenging. Duchesne County Sheriff's Captain John Crowley described the area as “super dense,” making visibility and navigation difficult.
Just after 1 p.m. on Friday, a helicopter crew spotted Maya near a well-known trail that has been the site of previous disappearances. She was found in good condition, slightly sunburned, and in high spirits. “She was safe and sound,” Crowley said. “She wanted a drink of water, was in good spirits, and was even laughing and joking with us.”
Maya described the night in the woods as extremely cold. She tried to stay warm by curling up on the rock and pulling her shirt over her legs. “It was so cold. I was trying to get my legs inside my shirt and lay my head on the rock to keep warm,” she recalled.
Her mother, Tami Suisse, expressed immense relief upon reuniting with her daughter. “I’m so relieved and so grateful to have her safe,” she said. “I’m thankful to all of the people that helped find her.”
Maya was found in good physical condition and looked forward to a hot shower after her ordeal. Captain Crowley offered advice for anyone who becomes lost in the wilderness, urging them to “Go to an empty field instead of hiding in the trees or staying on trails.” He added that this makes it easier for helicopters to spot them.
Maya’s sister, Brittany Suisse, had previously shared the family’s hope that Maya might be circling the area. She also highlighted that Maya is a fairly experienced backpacker. After her safe return, Brittany’s Facebook post about the search received numerous supportive messages from people who were following the story.
One user wrote, “Not sure I've ever felt so relieved in my entire life. So so so grateful she's ok.” Another commented, “Best news ever, I've been thinking about her all day. What a smart kid!” Many others expressed their relief and gratitude for Maya’s safe return.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying calm and knowing how to navigate in the wilderness. It also highlights the critical role of search and rescue teams in ensuring the safety of individuals in remote areas.