Kentucky Small Plane Crash; 7-Year-Old Survivor Looked for the Light to Get Help for Deceased Family
A 7-year-old girl has been listed as the sole survivor of a plane crash in Kentucky and her story has provided inspiration for those who knew her family.
Sailor Gutzler, 7, was flying with her parents, sister, and cousin when the plane went down in Kentucky. The plane reportedly suffered engine trouble and lost contact with air traffic controllers; just a half-hour later, a man called 911 to report that a young girl showed up at his home and said that she had been involved in a plane crash. Gutzler managed to walk one mile, through several piles of brush, in scant clothing in temperatures less than 40 degrees before arriving at the home of the good Samaritan.
"She had one sock on her feet, and she walked all that distance barefooted," Larry Wilkins, 71, told CBS News. "I wouldn't want to go in that woods right now in the dark without any lights whatsoever. I wouldn't want to do it. I know you'd fall. There's no doubt in my mind. She's a brave little girl. She told me that her mom and dad were dead, and she had been in a plane crash, and the plane was upside down."
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According to reports, Gutzler used survival skills passed on to her by her father in order to survive. She tried to light a glow stick or torch in order to find her way out of the woods, but nothing worked, so she began walking. Thankfully, Wilkins had left his porch light on, which seemingly guided the young girl to his home.
Gutzler suffered a broken wrist but no other physical injuries. She was treated at a local hospital and then released to her relatives, who have gathered around to support the young girl. Thankfully, she has an entire community offering love and support during this devastating time.
The NTSB has not attempted to interview Gutzler just yet, allowing her time to heal.
"We are going to try and make contact with her," investigator Heidi Moats told ABC News. "We are going to talk to her family first, and then try and make contact with her soon."
"The Gutzler family mourns the loss of Marty, Kim and Piper Gutzler and Sierra Wilder," family lawyer Kent Plotner said in a statement. "We are devastated by this loss but are confident that they rest in God's loving arms. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. Please pray for us, especially for Sailor Gutzler."
