Kara Stoyanowski emerged from Peachland’s woods after nine days of being stranded with little more damage than a sunburn.
In what Cpl. Joe Duncan is calling a remarkable story of survival, the Winnipeg woman who was a focus of a lengthy search when her camping trip went awry ultimately saved herself with a little luck.
At around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, two men were checking on livestock on the Peachland Forest Service Road at approximately Mile 13 when a female walked out of the woods and identified herself as Kara Stoyanowski, Cpl. Joe Duncan said.
“The men were familiar with the matter and brought her out. Kara was transported to Kelowna General Hospital by EHS for examination,” he said.
Stoyanowski, he said, had a sunburn but was in otherwise good condition. She survived in the wilderness eating mushrooms and drinking creek water.
As to how she got stuck in the first place, Duncan said she and her friend got their van stuck in a creek bed when they were looking for a camping spot.
“Her friend went one way, and she went the other,” said Duncan. “She went to the high ground following the stream and got herself twisted around. She then hunkered down hoping someone would get her.”
Eventually the men checking on livestock found her.
“Kara was in good condition however sustained some minor injuries. Kara was examined and treated at KGH.”
She has since been released from hospital.
June 12, 2015
The last time Kara Stoyanowski was seen, was June 9, 2015. She was walking away from a recreational area. This area is near the road to Headwaters and Peachland Lake Road.
- Caucasian female
- 24 years old
- 5’8 (172 cm)
- 120 lbs (54 kg)
- Short pink hair
- Wearing shirt, shorts and flip flops
