How cold is too cold for you to go outside without your warmest winter clothing? Would you ever walk through the snow without shoes? What would it take for you to walk a mile wearing a t-shirt in the dead of winter?
Well, one amazing child in Northern Alaska did every one of those things… and all with a toddler on their back.
On a freezing cold winter day in Venetie, Alaska, a five-year-old child and 18-month old toddler were inexplicably abandoned in a home by their caretaker. When the power went out, the -31 degree fahrenheit weather crept into the house and left the children cold, alone, and scared. The incredibly brave five year old knew they were in danger and took matters into their own hands.
Wearing nothing but socks, the 5-year-old carried the baby through the snow for approximately half a mile before finding safety in a neighbour’s home.
It’s a miracle that this young hero was aware enough of the situation to act, and decided to take the risk by venturing outside to seek help. The Alaskan authorities reported that the children were wearing nothing but socks and “light clothing”.
He saved the toddler’s life.
Ken Marsh, Alaska State Department spokesperson said that both of the children sustained cold-weather injuries but are expected to make a full recovery.
The 37-year-old woman who abandoned them, Julie Peter, has been arrested for endangering the welfare of a minor.
The details of her relationship to the children, the amount of time they were left on their own, and the reason she left them in the home have not yet been determined or released. These details and the identities of the children are not being disclosed because of their age.
Venetie is a remote village north of Fairbanks, Alaska, with a population of just 166.
Due to it’s rural location, it was difficult for State troopers to get to the children and investigate. They had to charter a plane and took between 12 and 16 hours after receiving the call to reach the village.
While they were urgently trying to access the village, authorities said they were confident that the children were in good hands with the neighbors.
It’s hard to imagine a 5-year-old knowing how to find their way the nearest neighbor’s house, especially when it involves walking half a mile!
And it’s incredible that there was someone inside the nearest home to let the children in after such a long journey through the unforgiving cold.
The children were able to rest and warm up once arriving at the home, and the neighbors made an immediate call to authorities for help.
It’s amazing that they acted so quickly, taking over from the brave child who made the long trek, and protecting the children from further harm. If it had been any longer, they would likely have sustained much greater cold-related injuries. It’s a miracle they’re okay.
Without the quick thinking, bravery, strength and perseverance of this incredible 5-year-old child, there’s no telling what would have happened to the pair. Alaska has a new hero!
Further investigation is being taken to understand the circumstances that resulted in these children being left alone, and to ensure something like this never happens again.
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