Current Date: 16 Dec, 2025
{{entry.title}}

A little girl survived a 1-hour submersion in freezing creek water

On June 10, 1986, two-and-a-half-year-old Michelle Funk fell into an icy creek and was submerged for 66 minutes. When rescuers pulled her out of the water, she was not breathing, had no pulse, and appeared lifeless. The doctors used various techniques to rewarm her blood and bring her back to life. She was successfully resuscitated and went on to lead a healthy life.

After a tardy start to Summer, the birds were singing, the bees were buzzing, and mum’s voice from the phone wafted through the hot June air.

Her calming voice helped her blond-haired toddler feel secure enough to explore the backyard’s size and take in its vibrant hues.

A beautifully painted butterfly, which was drifting into focus for the child with keen eyes, contrasted the green foliage.

Michelle Funk, who is two and a half years old, was in awe as the eyes on the butterfly’s wings waved back. She jumped to grab hold of the floating beauty. The butterfly continued to flitter in the direction of the gushing water.

Could the brave child catch the insect before the grassy barrier that delineated the garden’s edge put an end to the pursuit? Her mother’s voice was now almost completely obscured by the splashing of the chilly water below.

She finally got her chance when the butterfly dipped by chance just in time for Michelle to swing her tiny arms up and snare her prey.

However, as she disappeared beneath the grass blades and toward the water’s edge, the ground treacherously slid downward, and Michelle’s alert older brother hurried back to the house. Her face had briefly turned from triumph to alarm.

Michelle fell through the grass and over the edge at the Bells Canyon Creek bank. Her gurgling cries went unanswered since no one was nearby. Michelle sank under the mountain meltwater as the warm sun rays glistened off it.

A little girl survived a 1 hour submersion in freezing creek water 1
Michelle drowned in the Bells Canyon Creek for over an hour. Photo Credit: thisisgoodgood.com

Her flame was barely flickering and her skin had turned a ghostly white as the minutes passed. After 66 minutes, a rescuer finally in removing her blue, lifeless body from the 40°F (-4°C) water. Could she even be saved? It was worthwhile to try if there was even a remote chance.

She was taken urgently to the hospital, where Dr. Bolte was waiting. Michelle had drowned because of the length of time she had spent underwater. Knowing how long she had been underwater, many doctors would have pronounced her dead upon arrival; in fact, some of them thought Bolte was crazy for even considering the possibility that she might survive.

However, there was one thing working in her favor: rather than sealing her fate, the icy submersion had slowed her metabolism to the point where her body’s oxygen requirements had been met. Dr. Bolte had, by chance, been preparing for such an emergency for months. He and his group got to work right away.

Though they began squeezing warmed air through a tube into Michelle’s lungs and injecting warm fluids into her veins and stomach, three hours after the child had fallen into the creek she was still lifeless. Michelle’s parents and medical professionals feared that resuscitation would only return her to a vegetative state. They kept going.

Bolte, however, allowed himself to believe there was still hope for the poor little thing when her body temperature reached 25 Celcius (77 Fahrenheit) and a faint heartbeat was detected. Immediately after she gasped, she opened her eyes. To everyone’s delight and high fives, her pupils then shrank in response to the bright lights in the operating room, showing that her brain function was returning.

MIchelle was saved, made a full recovery, and suffered no long-term cognitive harm. Even the formal American Medical Association Journal referred to Michelle Funk’s case as “miraculous.”

The protocol for handling previously fatal drowning cases was developed as a result of her treatment.

Conclusion: Michelle Funk’s amazing will to survive and thrive

Michelle Funk’s remarkable journey of survival is evidence of her unwavering toughness and resolve. She resisted letting her circumstances define her despite the fact that the odds were stacked against her. Anyone facing hardship can find inspiration in Michelle’s tenacity and unwavering spirit, which serves as a reminder that we have the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The people who hear about Michelle’s survival will never forget it. It highlights the value of water safety, the necessity of emergency planning, and the strength of community support. We can make the world safer for everyone by taking lessons from Michelle’s experience and putting preventive measures in place. Her story will live on and continue to inspire people and communities alike, serving as a constant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Similar Stories
Before "The Rock," There Was "Rocky Maivia"

Before "The Rock," There Was "Rocky Maivia"

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s first WWF persona was Rocky Maivia, a face (good guy). The audience rejected him due to his cheesy character, with chants of “Die, Rocky, die!”. After this, he became a heel (villain), referring to himself in the third person as “The Rock” and insulting the audience.

Leo Grand: from homeless to mobile app developer

Leo Grand: from homeless to mobile app developer

In 2013, A young programmer offered a homeless man the choice between $100 cash or coding lessons. Leo Grand chose the lessons, and his first mobile app was “Trees for Cars," which helps drivers find carpooling partners.

24-year-old burglar beaten by retired boxer victim

24-year-old burglar beaten by retired boxer victim

A 24-year-old knife-wielding burglar attempted to get into the home of a 72-year-old senior in Oxford, England, in 2009, but was left battered, bruised, and pinned to the ground. Frank Corti, the elderly, turned out to be a former boxing champion.

Why Is the N Lowercase in 7-Eleven?

Why Is the N Lowercase in 7-Eleven?

7-ELEVEN is thought to have a lowercase "n" in its logo because the company president's wife believed that a logo with all caps would seem harsh, while a lowercase "n" would make it more graceful.

Unique Dining table with a hole for your cat to peek and join you dinner.

Unique Dining table with a hole for your cat to peek and join you dinner.

Dinos, a Japanese internet shop, has launched a new range of cat furniture, which includes this oak table with a hole in the middle and a perch underneath. It places your cat companion in the center of the table, making your cat the main focus of your meal, as it should be, because cats are the true proprietors of “your” home.

Story of Forrest Fenn and who he hid a bronze chest treasure full of gold and other jewels

Story of Forrest Fenn and who he hid a bronze chest treasure full of gold and other jewels

Forrest Fenn, an art dealer, hid a bronze chest full of gold and other jewels somewhere in the Rocky Mountains ten years ago. In a poem, he hinted at its location. Thousands of people tried and failed to find the treasure, which is said to be worth over a million dollars, and at least four people died in the process. In June 2020, the Fenn treasure was discovered.

ILOVEYOU Virus, the worst computer virus of all time

ILOVEYOU Virus, the worst computer virus of all time

The ILOVEYOU Virus, also known as Love Letter for You or Love Bug, had a high infection rate due to its ability to spread itself by copying entries from users' email address books. It is a virus that was created in 2000 by a college student in Manilla, Philippines, and was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the worst computer virus of all time, causing more damage than anything before it.

A Pilot Survived 20 Minutes Outside A Flying Jet

A Pilot Survived 20 Minutes Outside A Flying Jet

In 1990, the captain of flight 5390 Timothy Lancaster got sucked out of his own plane when the window of the plane fell off. The crew held the captain’s leg for 30 minutes while the plane performed emergency landing. Everyone survived.