Husband DIES after couple lost in woods for days; wife may have survived thanks to loyal loving dog

The Story: Pamela Helmstadter, 72, of Alexander, got disoriented while trying to find help for her injured husband, who sadly did not survive. [WMTW]

The Incident

• A couple, John and Pamela, went for a walk with their two dogs on Sunday near their home in Alexander, Maine
• The couple veered off a familiar trail and became lost in the woods
• Neither had cellphones with them

The Ordeal

• John fell and was unable to get up
• Pamela attempted to find help but became disoriented and lost
• They were missing for four days, enduring cold temperatures and heavy rain

The Rescue

• According to media reports, a neighbor alerted authorities on Wednesday after noticing a package left untouched on the couple’s porch
• Maine Game Wardens found Pamela on Thursday afternoon
• She was discovered over a mile from her home, suffering from severe hypothermia
• John’s body was reportedly found about 200 yards away from Pamela, approximately 30 minutes after her rescue

The Dog’s Role

• One of the couple’s dogs, a black Labrador named Lucy, reportedly stayed with Pamela throughout the ordeal
• According to media reports officials believe Lucy played a crucial role in Pamela’s survival by keeping her warm. The dog was very protective and would lay on Pamela’s chest at night to keep her warm

Pamela’s Condition

• When found, Pamela’s body temperature was dangerously low at 90.7°F (32.6°C)
• She was taken to a community hospital for treatment and observation
• Pamela told rescuers she had almost given up hope until she heard rescue planes overhead