Amanda Eller, a 35-year-old physical therapist from Maui, made headlines in 2019 when she went missing for 17 days in the Makawao Forest Reserve. She survived on berries, guava, and river water, while suffering from injuries, dehydration, and hunger. She was finally rescued by a helicopter crew that spotted her waving from a ravine. Her story of survival and perseverance captivated millions of people around the world. But what happened to her after she was found? And how did she cope with the trauma and the media attention?
A Miraculous Rescue
Eller’s ordeal began on May 8, 2019, when she decided to go for a short hike in the Makawao Forest Reserve, a 2,093-acre area of dense vegetation and trails. She left her car, keys, and cell phone at the parking lot, intending to disconnect from technology and connect with nature. She said she followed her intuition and a “voice” that guided her on the path, but she soon realized she was lost and couldn’t find her way back to her car.
She wandered for days in the forest, trying to find a road or a sign of civilization. She slept in a boar’s den, covered herself with ferns, and ate whatever she could find. She also injured her feet, ankles, and knees from falling off a cliff. She said she never gave up hope and prayed for a miracle.
Her family and friends reported her missing and launched a massive search operation, involving hundreds of volunteers, dogs, drones, and helicopters. They also raised more than $70,000 through an online fundraiser to support the search efforts. The Maui Police Department and the Maui Fire Department also joined the search, but they scaled back their operations after 72 hours, citing a lack of leads and resources.
On May 24, 2019, the 17th day of her disappearance, Eller was finally spotted by a helicopter crew that was hired by the online fundraiser. The crew consisted of three volunteer searchers and a veteran pilot, who saw her waving from a deep ravine between two waterfalls. They lowered a basket and lifted her to safety. She was taken to a hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and malnutrition. She had lost about 15 pounds and had a fractured leg, but she was otherwise in good condition.
Full Story of Amanda Eller
| Date of disappearance | May 8, 2019 |
| Date of rescue | May 24, 2019 |
| Duration of survival | 17 days |
| Location of disappearance | Makawao Forest Reserve, Maui, Hawaii |
| Area of the forest reserve | 2,093 acres |
| Distance from car to rescue spot | About 4 miles |
| Injuries sustained | Fractured leg, torn meniscus, sunburn, infections, abrasions |
| Weight loss | About 15 pounds |
| Food sources | Berries, guava, moths, river water |
| Rescue crew | Three volunteer searchers and a veteran pilot |
| Online fundraiser | Raised more than $70,000 |
| Media attention | Appeared on CNN, NBC, BBC, The Guardian, and more |
| Book and documentary | In progress |
A Media Sensation
Eller’s rescue was a media sensation, as her story of survival and resilience captured the hearts and minds of people across the globe. She appeared on national and international news outlets, such as CNN, NBC, BBC, and The Guardian, and gave interviews about her experience. She also received thousands of messages and donations from well-wishers and admirers, who praised her courage and faith.
However, not everyone was convinced by her story. Some people questioned how she could survive for so long in the forest, why she didn’t take her cell phone with her, and why she didn’t follow the sound of the helicopters. Some also accused her of staging the whole incident for publicity or money. Eller denied these allegations and said she was telling the truth. She also apologized and clarified some of her comments that were misinterpreted or taken out of context.
Eller said she was overwhelmed by the media attention and the public scrutiny, and she wished she could have more privacy and peace. She said she was grateful for the support and the kindness she received, but she also wanted to move on with her life and heal from the trauma.
A New Chapter
A year after her rescue, Eller said she was doing well and focusing on her recovery and her future. She said she underwent several surgeries and therapies to heal her physical and emotional wounds, and she was making progress. She also said she learned a lot from her experience and gained a new perspective on life.
She said she was still passionate about hiking and nature, but she was more careful and prepared. She said she always took her cell phone, a GPS tracker, and other supplies with her, and she checked the weather and the trail conditions before going out. She also said she was more aware of her surroundings and her intuition, and she listened to both.
She said she was also working on a book and a documentary about her story, hoping to inspire and help others who might face similar challenges. She said she wanted to share her insights and lessons, and to show the power of hope and faith. She said she was not a victim, but a survivor and a warrior.
She said she was looking forward to a new chapter in her life, and she was excited about the possibilities. She said she was happy and grateful, and she hoped to spread more love and light in the world.
