79-Year-Old Grandma’s Solo Adventure Takes a Wild Turn – Watch What This Hero Airman Does Next!

A 79-year-old woman’s solo hike to honor her mother turned into an unforgettable rescue story when a young US Airman carried her down a mountain after a serious accident.

Ursula Bannister, an experienced hiker from Washington state, set off alone on the 3.1-mile hike to High Rock Lookout, a viewpoint near Ashford, where she regularly leaves flowers for her mom. But her yearly tradition took a painful turn on August 28, when she fell and broke her leg in three places.

“I tried to get up with my hiking pole, and it collapsed on me,” Bannister recalled. “By the time I sat up, my foot was pointing the wrong way. I knew right away I had broken my leg.”

The High Rock Lookout trail, known for its steep and challenging path, didn’t intimidate Bannister, who’s hiked it countless times. This time, though, she found herself unable to move after stepping into a hole near the summit.

Unexpected Heroes Arrive

As Bannister lay injured, calling out for help, she wasn’t alone for long. US Airman First Class Troy May, just 20 years old, was hiking with his fiancée and a friend when they heard her cries. Realizing that it would take emergency responders hours to arrive, May didn’t hesitate.

“I knew I was capable of carrying her down,” May said. “I really didn’t make much of a decision, I just knew I needed to carry her down if I could.”

With help from other hikers who fashioned a splint for Bannister’s leg, May lifted her onto his back and began the slow descent down the mountain. The group of rescuers also kept Bannister calm by asking her questions about her life, trying to distract her from the intense pain.

“If I didn’t focus on my pain, I didn’t scream quite as loudly,” she explained. “I think we were all just giving each other psychological support.”

A Selfless Act of Kindness

For hours, May carried Bannister down the treacherous trail, carefully navigating each step to ensure her safety. Others helped by staying close and offering additional support where needed. Finally, they reached the bottom, where May and his friends drove Bannister to the nearest hospital.

“I was just overwhelmed with gratitude that these people literally came out of the woods to help me and they were totally unselfish and kind,” Bannister said. “I thought these people were behaving like angels coming from the sky.”

Thanks to the selfless efforts of strangers, Bannister made it to the hospital and is now recovering at home with a titanium plate and 11 screws in her leg. She is wheelchair-bound for now, but her spirit remains strong.

A Story of Resilience and Gratitude

Despite the life-threatening incident, Bannister’s love for hiking and her annual tribute to her mother won’t be deterred. She’s already thinking about the next time she’ll return to High Rock Lookout, hopefully with a loved one by her side next time.

“It’s steep, so it’s considered a hard hike, but because I’ve done it so many times, I wasn’t nervous about it,” Bannister said. This year’s solo trek turned out to be a humbling reminder of the unpredictability of nature, but also the kindness of strangers willing to go to great lengths for someone in need.

May’s heroism exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and bravery. What could have been a terrifying experience for Bannister became a story of human connection and courage.

In the end, this grandmother’s adventure didn’t end with a view from the top of the mountain, but with a deep appreciation for the people who carried her down to safety. “I was just thankful that these guys were willing to do this,” Bannister said, reflecting on the ordeal that will stay with her long after her leg has healed.