Missing hiker, 72, found alive by dead husband's body after dog slept on her chest to keep her warm

A 72-year-old missing hiker was miraculously found alive after her husband tragically died, and it could all be thanks to a dog keeping her warm.

John Helmstadter, 82, and his wife, Pamela Helmstadter, set out for a hike last Sunday with their two dogs along the trails behind their property, per NBC News.

What began as a routine stroll took a tragic turn when the couple wandered off the trail, and John fell, unable to get up. Without cell phones, they were unable to call for help.

Pamela attempted to go for assistance but soon became lost in the dense woods.

John Helmstadter sadly lost his life during the ordeal. Credit: Maine Warden Service

“She got disoriented in the woods and could not get home,” the Maine Game Wardens said in a statement.

For four days and nights, Pamela endured cold, harsh conditions. Temperatures dropped as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit.

The search for the couple was launched after a concerned neighbor noticed a package left on their front porch hadn’t been taken in.

When one of the couple’s two dogs returned home alone, the neighbor contacted the police, sparking a widespread search effort.

Pamela was found alive with her dog. Credit: Maine Warden Service

Pamela later told authorities that in the final hours before her rescue, she had begun to lose hope. She recalled hearing search helicopters circling overhead and thinking she might not make it out alive.

She was finally found on Thursday, alive but suffering from hypothermia, over a mile from her home. Her husband’s body was discovered just 200 yards away.

“Pamela was found severely hypothermic but alert with her dog by her side,” the Maine Game Wardens said.

“Her body temperature was 90.7 when she was found, but she was able to discuss what had occurred.”

She was taken to a hospital for treatment and observation.

Pamela Helmstadter miraculously survived after her dog lay on top of her chest to keep her warm as the temperatures plummeted. Credit: Maine Warden Service

“When the K-9 team located her, her dog was being very protective of her and even laid down on top of her on her chest,” Maine Warden Service Sgt. Josh Beal said, per the New York Post.

“It sounds like that’s what the dog would do at night, as well, to help keep her warm.”

Beal added that the dog’s actions likely helped save Pamela’s life during the cold and rainy nights.

Pamela is continuing her recovery from the traumatic ordeal.

Featured image credit: Maine Warden Service