In late July 2025, 38-year-old U.S. journalist Alec Luhn embarked on a solo hiking trip in Norway’s Folgefonna National Park. What began as an adventurous journey turned into a six-day battle for survival after a severe fall left him critically injured and stranded in the wilderness.
On the first day of his hike, Luhn slipped and tumbled down a steep, icy slope, breaking his femur, fracturing his pelvis, and injuring several vertebrae. His backpack, which contained a tent and sleeping bag, survived the fall, but he lost his water bottle, most of his food, and his cellphone. Unable to move and without a way to call for help, he faced the daunting challenge of surviving alone in harsh conditions.
With no water source nearby, Luhn resorted to drinking his own urine to stay hydrated. He also ate grass and moss to sustain himself. As the days passed, rain provided some relief, allowing him to collect water, but hypothermia became a growing concern as temperatures dropped and he struggled to stay dry.
Despite the severe pain and isolation, Luhn found strength in thoughts of his family. His wife, Veronika Silchenko, had alerted authorities when he failed to return as scheduled, prompting a search operation. After six days, Luhn was spotted by a rescue helicopter when he waved a red cloth tied to a walking pole. He was airlifted to Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, where he was treated for multiple fractures and severe frostbite on both feet.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Luhn said:
“It’s cool to go into the mountains… but all of that just pales in comparison to the love of your family. … Getting a second chance to go and put my family first, that was huge for me.”
His experience is a reminder that life can change in an instant, and it’s often the small moments with loved ones that matter most.
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