When a solo adventure goes terribly wrong - The Emma Kelty Story

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Sorry for the little spots of colour throughout the video, this is my first time working with a green screen! I think I was too close to it so it's coming through. Just think of them as an added bonus! Who doesn't love random bursts of COLOUR?!?! 😆

[@BreakingFreeOffGrid]

It looked like you were sparkling! Very fancy 😉

[@adventuresgonewrong]

@@BreakingFreeOffGrid 😂😂😂

[@C-15]

SUBBED! Now pin your post to the top!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

@@C-15 lol thx!

[@debbiegill]

Hi can you tell me where all you're videos are as I can only find 4 would be much appreciated thank you

[@shannoninalaska]

I think it is a shame that Emma didn’t heed the warning of the locals. When a local tells you that there is danger, they are not lying.

[@marlsberlin7716]

Yes, I didn't want to pile up on poor Emma, but when it comes to Central and South America and contrary to myth, the local population DO care and if they tell you it's a bad idea, then it is. Pride is a bad counselor.

[@christoffesedao3579]

If you need locals to know traveling the Amazon is dangerous, then you are just being irresponsible. Anyone planning a trip like that knows in advance it is extremely dangerous.

[@RawOlympia]

That makes no sense, to not heed locals, just saw one where a guy went into a blowhole suck after locals telling him not to go near it!

[@elipotter369]

@@RawOlympia I lived on a smallish island, and when a family came to live on an even smaller island, they were told by the locals- " not a good idea, your child won't be able to attend school in winter, due to the rough seas". The family laughed at the stupid, ignorant and scaredy cat locals. Then fled mid way through the 2nd winter, very angrily, and blaming the locals?!

[@lordtette]

To go there and say you want to learn from the locals and their culture; but when the local talks you don't listen.

[@Bruno-tm3xo]

Norwegian saying : there is no shame in turning back. This simple phrase, once applied, keeps you alive. Who cares that you didn’t go all the way. You proved your wisdom and not many people can claim that.

[@tw8464]

Exactly.

[@johnair1]

ohh she got so many warnings literally 100km before she would be attacked ppl literally told her that she will be attacked lethal and she then also posted it. This was really her last warning the fact that she was so far away from any common sense of avoiding dangers just tells a lot. Sorry but this is ego and ignorance over safety! obv it was a crime and she didn't deserve it but she was literally ignoring all red flags!

[@509FUN]

Yea most people just prove they don’t have the wisdom and end up with stories about them like this

[@matthewreohorn3585]

Totally agree, Adventures are great at all levels of life however brief they maybe !? Maybe a war kicks off and you have to turn around , you get sick and look for help , it will all still be there for another time !! The RED FLAG for me , with this lady !! was that statement "first solo female to knock off the Amazon by Kayak".. She could loaded the kayak on some river ferry and with local advice , skipped that section and then contd in safer area ..BUT Nooo!! Very sad .

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Any Norwegian with a thigh infection like that would call it a day -

[@jakethesnake1023]

I can't understand how someone could ignore so many warnings from so many people. This wasn't an adventure, this was a suicide mission imo.

[@anjou6497]

Such a shame she died that way. ⚘️

[@sterntaler64]

I think the same way.

[@YtuserSumone-rl6sw]

It proves she was reckless and had a part of her not caring to live. Instead of pursuing her obsession for adventurous achievements, it would have been cheaper and better for her to do therapy and self-improvement things with help on introspection and transformation. I have done adventures myself of the magnitude she did, but unlike her, only a handful knows about them and I had other types of reason why they happened. I've always thought there is no greater journey and adventure than into our deepest consciousness and I have found this increasingly true. Incredible and fulfilling life/experiencing is not dependent nor measured on the external. On the contrary, so many "achievers" also find they have wasted time chasing "achievements" when they find happiness was just untapped inside their selves.

[@Tenebarum]

She's a case of toxic positivity and too much time on her hands, IMO.

[@alistairmcdonald2382]

Lonely planet has a book on how to travel in dangerous countries…. They have to update it often.

[@virginiav.1172]

My experience has been that sometimes people who are from Western nations are overly naive when they travel to more dangerous countries. There are places in the world where life is cheap and desperation overrules morality. It is difficult to comprehend that your life is meaningless in some places.

[@profhortsunlover1536]

sanctity of life is often lost on men, 800 impregnated females die each day, men don't die in entering parenthood, also if you are indoctrinated into religioin as a child, you might grow up to believe there is a second life, paradise, 72 virgins and all that sexist waffle

[@lmc2375]

Sadly, and often, it has now become meaningless in our own country.

[@SatumainenOlento]

Yes! I absolutely believe that. Western people are naive to the danger of other human beings in countries were the human life is cheap. But also, you can be assaulted in your home country too and disappear! Life is not safe! I had a stalker who tried to break into my house and assault me in my own bed. He was stranger to me. And I live in rural Ireland were the crime rate is very low. Sometimes it is lightning which strucks!

[@fagica]

Naive? I would say "arrogant."

[@mtmadigan82]

That desperation overcomes morality sums it up great. If your from most western countries amd have never left, it's hard to understand.

[@DNTMEE]

Had she been taught the ins and outs of "cover and concealment" there is a good chance she would have made it. In a place like that you don't set up a tent. You sleep in a sleeping bag that you covered with vegetation to blend in with the surroundings. Covering your gear and kayak as well. You do it every time. No fires either. When possible you travel at night. And you travel as far as possible every day/night to get through that stretch as quickly as you can. No sightseeing. In this case, you could sleep in the kayak while floating on the water, tied to shore. Not at all comfortable, but pretty safe. When you're tired enough you can sleep in any position. Also start out with a kayak/boat that has a flat black finish and, of course, wear similar black clothes. You can bring along bright colored material to cover yourself and the kayak later on. All that's no doubt hard on a person but your life will depend on it in a place like that. Do what the rest of the creatures there do. Hide yourself from the predators.

[@Grodee]

So true stealthy concealment and caution in through the dead zone skills she obviously lacked

[@freebird7017]

Yes, even as a non-adventurer, that occurred to me. I would’ve slept in a way that I wasn’t easily visible from the river or even to people who might chance to walk by. Pitching a visible tent in a dangerous place like that… nope, she just was not aware enough… sad ending.

[@katewoolf6059]

Yea, she definitely had a lot more adventure drive and a lot less survival drive than most of us. I'm a woman and would NEVER sleep in a colored tent in the middle of an exposed island in South America. That's like taking a nap in a park in a bikini in Afghanistan, right? I don't understand why as a woman she didn't have the impulse to protect herself that most women have. I wouldn't even sleep on an exposed island in my home state in USA! Bizarre, really

[@drunkvegangal8089]

@@freebird7017 Camping hammocks with built in zipper flies; so very much more stealthy than a tent, more lightweight, compact, and so much safer than sleeping on the ground. Traditionally used in jungle terrain by locals - easy to string up in dense, treed areas.

[@beyondEV]

Very Naive. Out on the river you're easily made. There is no concealment on rivers this size. And they will, if they think your able to defend yourself, simply shoot you from the cover of the canape. Even if you're special forces, doesn't matter. You would have to abandon travelling over open water, fight your way through the flooded forest / overgrown swamps. But that will slow you down, so massively increase the exposure to the danger of being discovered, by time in the danger zone alone. The only defense here is group size and firepower on display. Enough, that even a ambush from cover will result in casualties on both sides.

[@Rendarth1]

I think it's important for all adventurers to understand two things: 1) Local advice should always be taken seriously. Especially warnings of danger, because locals often downplay such things. 2) A positive, "can do" attitude won't stop a bullet or a machete.

[@dianecripps204]

Neither will self defense training.

[@emirgokcen1906]

100% agree on locals downplaying dangers, as they usually talk about where they live in a more positive manner than it should be. So if they say it is dangerous, it really is. No joke.

[@Duckling08]

I think she was seeking death, or near death experiences, so she could feel alive again. Having suffered major loss, I acted this same way, because I was deeply depressed and had no desire to live, since my loved one was gone. Solo trips can be healing, but they can also be a way out, I think sadly she opted for a way out, especially since she picked such a know dangerous area, I think maybe her other trips didn't provide the healing she was hoping for, so this one was her way back to her loved ones.

[@Paranoidandro1d1]

I think you're right. She needed councelling for her trauma and I think it should have been down to her closest friends and remaining family to challenge her on her behaviour, which was ultimately addictive risk taking.

[@fusche2001]

Agree

[@devilwithin9514]

I was going to say something similar.. that the trauma of losing a close loved one can push you to fill the void in ways you would never consider if they were still alive.. I know from my own experience that after losing my mum, I genuinely didn't care about myself nowhere near as much as when she was still here.. I also believe all the challenges that she threw herself into were partly distractions, partly as a result of feeling lost and partly to try to feel again..

[@tammy8590]

I had the same thoughts, in some sort of strange way that she was tempting fate, if that makes sense, I think you worded it well

[@pamelamoriarty4400]

I think that you’re right.

[@cwpres]

When in an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous area, I always listen to the advice given by the local people. Taking risks is part of life, but it's important not to have too much confidence in your own ability and knowledge.

[@carolbeckett6215]

She should have listened to the locals...

[@nica900]

I also had this probably keep me safe in Bangkok in the 80s when I was 23. I was attracted to some homeless people protesting by the road and went to talk to them. They invited me to stay the night on the street with them, and I was really tempted - and it might have been fine - but reality was I was a naive kid from a very safe country and I wasn't equipped to look after myself in that situation if things went wrong. But the Thai people whose inner city boarding house I was staying at told me it was a really bad idea, and I heeded their advice.

[@drunkvegangal8089]

Example that's happened to me a few times; if locals tell you there's a rip tide at the beach you are strolling or picnicking on - you don't go in the water despite whatever a guide book or fellow tourist says.

[@SKhalili-y5r]

It's called adventure!

[@nw4042]

As someone who has made a solo motorcycle trip from Deadhorse down to Peru, and as someone who has deployed to a war zone, and seen a few other things, there's a few things that stick out to me. 1 ) Being alone and in your own for a long time in your own thoughts, barely interacting with other humans takes a toll on most humans. Even loners. 2) Being utterly alone and vulnerable in a foreign land is incredibly stressful. It can lead to you to make decisions you wouldn't under ideal conditions. 3) Being sleep deprived and physically exhausted also leads to altered mental states and decision-making. I think, from what her plans were pre-trip, what her preparations and past travels indicate about her character, and what little information there is on her adventures, I think that she had a solid plan to start, but she made poor choices as things wore on, more than likely driven by the intense stresses she was under at the time. I don't buy any "she was dumb," "she was naive," story. She unfortunately vastly miscalculated and paid the ultimate price.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I think you nailed it and thanks for sharing your experience.

[@tiryaclearsong421]

Honestly she was so much better prepared than Davey, the video uploaded today. I came back here to remind myself of Emma's story and I am sad she ultimately lost her life in seemingly the same circumstances he was in, but she just wasn't as fortunate. Life is so random and tragic.

[@richardcranium3579]

@@tiryaclearsong421I wouldn’t qualify this as random. Better to play dodge cars on the interstate at night dressed in all black.

[@JunoBeachGirl_]

Add another thought? Being a sole woman alone in a violent patriarchal society is never a good idea.

[@TavistockLiesBrainwashing]

I took a risk on a motorcycle in Mexico when younger. My mexican pal warned me. I got through. He was murdered a couple of years later.

[@margiewinslow872]

Emma's story hit close to home. I too backpacked alone in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego on the 1970s and 1980s. Low population density, no drugs, locals were incredibly kind and amused. Still, my years of thinking that a big smile and an American passport were talismans came to an end when a fisherman tried to get into my tent. I fought him off and fortunately his pals pulled him away, but I never could sleep a wink one in the wild. At least not for years. It could.have been worse, but shattering that illusion of safety was life changing. Became very careful, don't camp out alone. I miss the wonderful aloneness.

[@beaulieuonnp593]

agreed sometimes we find out the hard way and it is a wake up call.

[@Takatukata]

the most dangerous creature is the human!

[@CharlieBooker00]

there are always comments like that from people who have no clue what they are talking about

[@tonykartracer8032]

Yes. The world isn't full of rainbows and magical marshmallow clouds for you to conquer. Evil exists out there, learn to be content with what you have and stop carrying a chip on your shoulder with a point to prove..... that usually doesn't end well.

[@MI-gu8lq]

You can still camp alone - just concealed carry!

[@gabyluces1413]

I grew up in Venezuela and while listening to her story it brought back so many memories of feeling unsafe as a female alone just walking down the street in the city. And she decided to go solo across the Amazon river wow. I feel like there’s a mix of sheer determination with also being very naive to the dangers. There’s no amount of self defense training you can do to confront these pirates. I think she knew this on an intelectual level but being out there in that situation is on a whole different level. My heart aches to think what she went through and for her family that surely has been through a lot emotional pain dealing with what happened to her

[@dominicjohnson8427]

I too was born in Venezuela and moved to the uk when I was young, dangerous parts of the world are always more dangerous for tourists or travellers so I agree that she was naive to think she could travel safely on her own

[@fantasticwildlife3947]

​@@dominicjohnson8427 Having lived 8 years in Venezuela, yes she was naive, judging dangers on threats ia girl may face in Europe. No, they don't want sex, they will shoot you to steal anything you have.

[@gabyluces1413]

@Francis Lynch I’ve never heard that in my life

[@AlannaArgudo]

@@gabyluces1413 I've no idea if they're trolling.

[@marknewton6984]

I dated a girl from Caracas and she said she was afraid to walk to school.

[@frankriding123]

I'm glad you took the time to celebrate her life and achievements, some KZbinrs jump straight to the unfortunate part.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I think that's the most important part of these stories, glad you recognized it. It gives us insight into why she might have made the decisions she did later on.

[@rangda_prime]

I think her achievements were what led her to think she could do this.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

I think 3/4 of the comments here are just Incels seem to search the internet for stories Like this to push their misogyny and hatred for women...implying that she deserved it and probably more like those who attacked her than those of us who admire her adventurous spirit.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Yeah I’m cracking down on those.

[@orsolyaritter7292]

Dying this way is terrible. 3 men attacking you, assalting you and dumping you in a river is not something you would not regret. You can be adventerous but never think you know things better than those who live there and never underestinate the dangers they warn you about. Appreciate their help, and appreciate you life.Thank you for your hard and professional work. Hope it will make other adventurers aware of reaility.

[@roleat]

When will men change

[@raerae6422]

7 men.

[@john1v6]

@@roleat I doubt the outcome would have been any different if she had been male. Her attackers were just armed criminals out to rob/kill whoever they came across.

[@geometerfpv2804]

​@@roleatWomen in desperate areas do terrible things too. Evil is not a man thing.

[@sabrinatscha2554]

I remember my boyfriend schooling some Asian tourists, why they should not to walk around on foot, in the neighborhood we lived in, on Rainer Valley, Seattle (a few blocks from Beacon Hill light rail station). Jus two days later, an Asian man was attacked and robbed, half a city block from our house, and later died from a head injury. Then another man was killed just a week after that, in the same general area. If you search “Rainer Valley Seattle murder/attack” you will get a seemingly endless string of search results, for all the most recent attacks, murders and muggings. Keep in mind; this is all happening along the same 3-4 mile stretch of road. One would be shocked were these results for the entire city. Some of it appears well-developed and even nice/modern, and these are alway where most people are caught off guard, because muggers know that this is where the money is. The illusion of safety is a dangerous thing.

[@thesundreamers8423]

I never quite know how to feel about these stories. While I admire her sense of adventure, it feels like senseless death of an amazing person.

[@shelbyblackmore-mg4nv]

I can't have much sympathy for her, She was doing good in the world by being a Teacher and quit to do dangerous solo adventures..How does something like that raise money for charity?

[@EMMYK1916]

@shelbyblackmore-mg4nv I've a friend here in Ireland who went all over the world in the name of charity...hitting everyone she knew to basically pay for her holidays. The charity gets a percentage, and not a huge amount of it as i did my research. I couldn't justify constantly "sponsoring her holidays in places like Thailand, Cambodia. After a while, I said to her, I don't see how anyone going on a trek would ultimately bring attention to those in need. I mean, if you really cared so much you'd volunteer right?, take time off work, out of yourown pocket, volunteer to help the homless in Cork city, or have a monthly sponsorship to whatever charity. I notice these sorts of expeditions are no longer en vogue. People caught on. Per capita, Irish people donate and give their spare time to charities more than any other nation. Honestly, it's a scam. Thankfully, I don't see those sort of things anymore.

[@emmaphilo4049]

@@shelbyblackmore-mg4nv I think our culture rewards too much challenges like that...

[@9mwood]

The world is not always a magical adventure. There are vile people out there. The middle of nowhere,alone, in a 3rd world country is an extremely dangerous place for a lone woman.

[@jimjohnson6944]

That's a polite way of saying it. It's hard not to see this as quite foolish, given how avoidable it was.

[@localbod]

I lived in Colombia for four years. I had some great experiences and met some lovely people. However, I was made aware that there are two or three areas where you shouldn't go alone or simply not go (as a foreigner) unless you want to get kidnapped and or murdered.

[@MarciRaney-tt8ev]

Me too. I lived in Colombia as a teenager in the 70's. I met incredible people and traveled to incredible places, but I was naive to some harsher realities of life. It still haunts me how cheap life was at certain paces.

[@dubinatub1]

It's called living

[@Dytopjewa7631]

Where are they😧😧

[@atatterson6992]

@@Dytopjewa7631 El Barrio

[@CornCod1]

I read a book about former president Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon expedition to completely unexplored parts of a branch of the Amazon. Teddy was a tough guy and experienced explorer and soldier. He went with a fully armed party of many expert resourceful guys with elaborate supplies and equipment. Numerous men died in the jungle and they were atracked frequently by natives. He came out of the Amazon on a stretcher, his heath broken and it took a lot of years off the back end of his life. The Amazon is no joke.

[@lmc2375]

I saw pics of some of his expeditions. He had entire teams of men, pack animals, guides. He was often carried along. He had at least one of every animal they saw killed to haul back home to be stuffed. Some adventure. 😪

[@martinayari3529]

Yet, some people think they can do it alone. Really wondering what causes did delusion and overconfidence

[@AthosRac]

He was not attacked by any native, he was a guest of Marechal Rondon. The first brown skin Brazilian General. He never saw an Indian there but theyve saw him a lot. Yes, he almost died there, lol. That would be bad.

[@oldageisdumb]

@@martinayari3529I don’t think Emma was arrogant. There was more going on here. I think she was subconsciously (or maybe not so subconsciously) looking for death. She had lost so much, so young, and faced a whole future alone, in her mind. I’m speculating, but she was so fixated on cramming these adventures in, one after the other. No job even, just total fixation on being alone and risking everything. I think she probably got into a survival mindset and couldn’t seem to get out of it. She didn’t know how to be any other person and it was defining her, which is why she HAD to persevere and finish.

[@mechthildschoeberl4839]

Yes I read that book as well! Would be too scary for me to go alone !

[@carolinem1698]

Your narration is so much better than most storytellers on KZbin. No up speak, or annoying, inflections, your sentence structure and the words you choose make the story and you, enjoyable, and very easy to listen to. How refreshing!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks Caroline!

[@Upcycleartist]

Agree!!

[@hed2410]

Yes I liked her narration , too.

[@maevecrowley8210]

I also agree

[@catnapper7509]

Definitely agree! Excellent narration!

[@kentb8621]

I am an avid solo traveler, been to like 15 countries by myself. That being said I always heed safety warnings and warnings from locals and plan my trip around not being in excessively dangerous areas. I understand her ambition to conquer the Amazon, it’s cool, but it is reckless. Some parts of the world just are not safe to travel thru alone and it is unwise to try for a reason.

[@TavistockLiesBrainwashing]

They would have known she was coming.

[@listrahtes]

I admire her determination. Sadly the problem is people growing up in europe really cant picture the human danger. She would have needed to carry a firearm and even then some regions are just of limits being alone.. I met quite some European female backpackers in south America and most were highly delusional about safety. They think being nice protects. Tried to talk common sense into them but it was mostly a lost cause .

[@behindthespotlight7983]

THANK YOU for speaking truth to power. This story is one of the most reckless I’ve heard. As long as 99% of the couch-adventurers congratulate this type of behavior there will always be 10 more lined up to become the next victims.

[@traviskelly4941]

Like the Dutch girls Kremers and Froon in Panama.

[@aitormolinerobozas-urrutia2465]

100% agree! I met a danish girl and travel with all around Cuba. Ok is a very safe country but we started on the far east city of Baracoa. A cuban woman told me cocaine dealing was begining on east Cuba. That girl said " I love walking through these streets " and I was like " tense athmosfere lets go back to the casa particular ". What I mean is many people feel comfy anyway and dont see a real danger

[@wmcbarker4155]

@@aitormolinerobozas-urrutia2465 who da'fool who walks southside at night.

[@paulflores1360]

You are so right.

[@itslyss2233]

Really appreciate how respectful you are of these adventurers. Instead of heartlessly attacking them for decisions that lead them to their demise you show their humanity and honor them well thru your videos ❤

[@maatkarah]

I could listen to this lady all day. She's also always so fair and diplomatic towards the people whose adventures sadly went wrong.

[@tony.bickert]

From the start I seemed clear that her appetite for risk taking was never going to be satisfied until she ultimately died. What courage, and what tragedy. Thank you, brave Emma, for leaving your story for us, and thanks for telling that story, narrator lady. You did good too.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@corywebb5537]

So sad, you said she wasn't Reckless but she obviously was. The only woman who ever made it through their had a Navy escort. What was she thinking?she ignored ALL of the locals!!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I disagree, only because in all her other adventures she showed she wasn't reckless. Sometimes she really thought things through and sacrificed finishing a trip for her safety. I really think her sleep deprivation and fatigue played a big part.

[@Monica23881]

Total no go for anyone male or female to take wilderness trips alone. Shit happens even to the most highly skilled and if you don't have back-up, you're screwed. Add to that Amazon drug cartels and jungle tribes - this isn't adventurous it's dumb-ass.Really it sounds like she wanted to join her father.

[@DesireeGonza]

After reading her reasoning to go to the Amazon, it seems to me she was on a suicidal mission. Suicide comes in different ways. She tried many times but was unsuccessful. Until she found the Amazon river. She was fighting with life itself.

[@kaymarie7427]

It does seem that way....maybe gambling with life at the very least 😢

[@loiswilliams8001]

Absolutely I believe this too. Especially when you look at timelines, she was driven to destruction without it seeming to be suicide to outsiders.

[@Adelicows]

Especially since she quit her dream job, and made that comment about how not having children or a job makes the rest of the thinking easier. Then all of her flippant comments about how she's "going to be killed. Nice." And "no, I didn't die." Then ignoring warning after warning... There's no way she wanted to leave that place alive.

[@pnw-coast]

In regards to why she didn't turn back when things got dangerous. I think she felt compelled to finish the trip because of her plans for a book and possibly a movie. She mentioned that she already had a radio show interview scheduled for her return. She probably felt like she couldn't turn back because of all the plans she had made based on completing the trip. I also don't think it helped that many of her friends and supporters were telling her to ignore the haters and essentially encouraged her to face the risks and saying she'd be fine because she's such a tough person. It's unfortunate and I know it's not easy to tell someone close to you that they shouldn't do something they've always wanted to do, but sometimes people need to be given the hard facts about how something is not a good idea.

[@beetledune9264]

Aha!..this reminded me of Britney Spears fans,when people who used their brains said,she need treatment but her fans continue support her madness and said others being jealous.sorry this is not about the topic,but it's true,wrong support and encouragment play big part on making decisions.

[@em84c]

Its toxic positivity.

[@nena200able]

It never ceases to amaze me the kinds of things people think of doing, and doing alone. A journey of a lonely female through the Amazon. I mean.......what in the world could go wrong? I don't know. 🤔

[@Pugetwitch]

why would you want to travel 3,500 mi alone on the Amazon River? it just doesn't make any sense. Even for the most experienced traveler regardless of gender!

[@alexstar5182]

The woman had obviously a death wish. Her mother's death clearly affected her.

[@jonothandoeser]

I wouldn't even do it as a male.

[@LutangLutang]

​@@PugetwitchNo sane woman from any 3rd world country would think of such a thing. Their survival instincts ain't that bad.

[@PPCSI133]

while i get it, its also sad we live in a world where one cant be an amazing person and just explore freely as the universe intended. Mankind can be awful

[@David-mh2jn]

Well done, I am now a subscriber. As a former Army Ranger and Chicago DEA agent I once crossed the Darien Gap, which connects North and South America and carries a reputation such as the "red zone." I will tell you this quite simply. There is always safety in numbers, and going solo without a firearm, a dog, the self defense skills necessary to lower the potential threat, is suicidal. Even armed, had I been solo in that region, I would have been loath to sleep in the night. Your wonderful little doc pointed it out clearly, the very shoes on your feet make you a target in a land where life does not hold the value as it does from where you came. So sad though, such a beautiful and alive lady.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@beyondEV]

Moving on a big river does speed up traveling through terrain like this. But there is zero concealment. so no matter if you're armed, you're always likely to simply get ambush and killed, without ever knowing where the attack came from. only group size and significant firepower will potentially deter a attack. (Way back, i did raft 2 weeks alone down a beni tributary. While i ignored the warnings about the danger of the river, i did heed the warnings about local tribes further down the river. Basically was told, they ambush and kill to then rob you.)

[@cheolacarnitas2682]

Life holds the same value in those places- just not western life. how ingrained is the hubris of "pale" Western adventurers? I am asking with genuine concern seeing as there are so many westerners who do not value the lives of people in the countries they help bomb/sanction/globalize....and it's really saddening and ultimately sickening. 😢

[@BuntingClipClop]

Wow, the Darien Gap? Far out. Kudos. I get a panic attack just watching the documentaries!

[@lauriedavidson1585]

Just happened to come across this video and I instantly really liked you. I enjoyed your narration, but more than that, you just seemed so genuine and made me feel like you were talking directly to me and everyone else watching, instead of just talking to a camera. Thanks for being you and diving in to these stories. From a new subscriber.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Wow thanks, that's so nice! I love that people are liking the stories of the folks behind these crazy events that bring them to us. I'm just fascinated with the life stories of people and want to know what makes them tick! We all have unique stories and can learn so much from each other. Thanks for watching!

[@stephenmorris3696]

Difficult to understand why such an experienced traveller would ignore the advice of a local. She even prophesied exactly her own demise, I greatly admire Emma an exceptional human being, however she seemed to believe in her own invincibility. Sad upsetting story, I spent considerable time in Papua New Guinea where there is virtually no law and order. My first day in Madang I boarded a ship “the Supura” I was sent to repair a gyrocompass, and was told not to go on deck alone at night. The night before I arrived a man who tied his yacht alongside the ship, was stabbed to death with a screwdriver and robbed. I had several scary experiences with locals and understood immediately, that they hate expats and wanted all out of their country. A local politician while I was there actually encouraged locals to rape the wives of expats to drive them out, this was in the mid 80’s. Life is very cheap in many places it’s foolish to think we have any control over the actions of such persons

[@beaulieuonnp593]

I agree, locals are very different everywhere

[@initbutnotofit1467]

I have a feeling she wanted to follow her parents sooner rather than later. She took on one adventure after another instead of taking a breather and enjoying her accomplishments. Instead of offing herself, she invited danger into her life with these solo adventures along with skydiving and such. I think she knew what might happen and therefore just went full speed ahead. Not all people want to live forever or live in fear of death. They rather to go out with a bang than whither away. Just my feeling after hearing the story.

[@jonothandoeser]

She was probably repeating advice that was given to her by a native. The prophecy was not her own.

[@janejan9728]

She was only experienced in the first world. It's the same as hiking Kilimanjaro and then thinking that means you're ready for everest. They're 2 completely different things. One has a 10% risk and the other has a 99.99% risk, plus extra if you've never even met a drug dealer in your entire life. It's basically a guarantee.

[@jeanisdancing]

Papua NG is considered to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Over a normal family argument (I saw a documentary) a kid can slash his sister with a machete. Such places can tempt an adventurous soul but there are limits. Listen to common sense.

[@brise9118]

It’s good to remember that just because you wouldn’t bite the lion doesn’t mean the lion won’t bite you.

[@hoffmantube1]

You did such a good job telling her story. You definitely have a talent for this type of narration.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks!

[@Icarmzzy]

Definitely! ♥️

[@marlenemartel9649]

Totally :)

[@terryhughes7349]

Good narration. I remember backpacking in Colombia and was in Santa Marta. There I learned about Ciudad Perdida. This was the late 80s and FARC 'owned' that region. The local suggested contacting the FARC 'representative' to get permission to hike up the trail to the ruins. FARC was very intense group of revolutionaries but they would consider letting a tourist in if you paid a 'tax' and got checked out. The rep made a call and i was met by two heavily armed FARC individuals. They completely searched my kit and took the 'tax'. On walkie talkies they appeared to communicate a general description of me to their team. They gave me a hand-drawn map of the trail and politely told me not to deviate from the trail. Was an amazing time to explore the ruins (which are now in better shape for the tourists). I do remember feeling i was always being watched. Anyway, what i am saying always listen to local resources about the environment you are traveling through. Whenever necessary, pay a 'tax' or hire a local guide to escort you through dangerous areas. Kind regards.

[@travelerforever8849]

You can write a book... the adventures during 70s and 80s were so different ..

[@MsMaxine306]

To bad these aren't 80's.

[@pauld9561]

Same said "tax" is necessary whenever and wherever you're a foreigner in a new land. It's expected to tip your taxi driver in juarez, Mexico. Exchange cell #s and you're protected to a point, but never just tip toe through the tulips for gods sake.

[@Useryofcsdnx]

Santa Marta is gorgeous

[@katietyler8865]

Oh boy. My heart goes out to her. I lost my mom in 2019 and it does change a person. She sounded like quite an amazing person. 🙏🙏🙏

[@janetdowell6005]

I want to acknowledge all the rescue teams who end up placing their own lives under repeated risk in order to save or recover people (like Emma) who should have made better choices. (And it’s entirely possible to have rich adventures without being reckless.) Wilderness rescue attempts consume a surreal amount of money and time (and, again, risk), and many of them are for situations where people were/are just pig-headed. Have adventures, but use good judgment.

[@tony.bickert]

Emma never asked to be rescued.

[@rickwrites2612]

Oh puleeze Emma used every adventure to raise money for charity which is more than you can say for almost every other adventure, altitude mountain climber, etc.

[@susanaldridge2000]

@@tony.bickert she didn’t ask because it was too late to ask by the time she was in deep trouble. Anyway it is the ones left behind who miss you and worry who ask for help to find you. And millions are spent every year looking for foolish loved ones who went unprepared, over confident and alone and got lost or murdered.

[@Giants4641]

​@rickwrites2612 yes but she can't raise money for charity anymore.

[@sugareemel8784]

Exactly! Rescuing people is just as dangerous.

[@CleoHarperReturns]

I'm no adventurer, but as a poker player I can tell you that by the time Emma got the warning, she was what we call "pot committed." This means you've invested so much in this one hand, you feel the weight of whether you've made a series of small bad decisions that have amounted to expensive losses, vs the possible outstanding reward for seeing the hand all the way through. One thing I've learned the hard way is you should NEVER let being pot-committed determine whether you go through with something or not, because there are so many other variables. You need to be prepared to cut your losses and walk away. Otherwise, all that careful risk assessment can go out the window. I can say this now because I've been sucked into it time and time again, and lost it all (or, rarely, won). And I probably will again. But mine is just a card game and I'm so glad I'm not the one who had to make the kind of decisions Emma was faced with. We just don't know -- can't know -- until we're sitting down at the table to play that hand. It's one of the things I love the most about the game -- it's this mirror I hold up to myself. Sometimes I love what I see, more often I don't. The good more than makes up for the bad, and the looking is the entire point. I have a feeling Emma was looking into the river Amazon to find her own reflection. I hope she saw her whole self -- both loved and terrifying, both ugly at times and beautiful all the time, and anything but small.💜

[@tomduley6357]

I was thinking the same thing when I watched this story. In economics they call it "sunk cost." People will go through with something because they are already heavily invested through time, money and effort--or any combination of those things. Also, her FB post saying, "I didn't die" when she completed the rapids portion of the trip shows her level of investment in completing the journey. She was emboldened by her accomplishments in completing the rapids and didn't want to turn back. She had been successful in the past with just pushing through under extreme circumstances so she no doubt had the expectation that things would turn out the same this time.

[@mikew3194]

Well said.

[@ta_nimal2023]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@KB-313]

I love poker analogies. Well done.

[@msbeecee1]

​@tomduley6357 very true abt sunk cost analogy

[@maryskinner1329]

After losing her parents did she take on these dangerous solo trips in hopes of not making it out alive. Was she suicidal & no one suspected her mental health. Many have committed suicide leaving family & friends in shock as they never saw any signs being displayed. This is a sad story of a careless & courageous woman all at the same time. Brave & courageous, sane & insane, smart & stupid , intelligent & ignorance. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

@@stealthwarrior5768 but she was always traveling? Not a caregiver

[@KPlyf]

​@@arribaficationwineho32exactly.

[@Emerald_City_]

The best of all comments… thanks so I don’t have to write mine

[@PoodleParti]

Probably could’ve died a lot more easily if that’s what she wanted. More likely almost dying helped her want to be alive.

[@brendakorneder4228]

Even the most experienced kayakers can get into trouble; and it literally only takes a second for things to go wrong especially in white water conditions. I am a kayak instructor and there’s no way I would put myself in those dangerous conditions, let alone take on a trip like that alone.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Great point. And she’d only been kayaking for a total of 2 months before this trip.

[@shannoninalaska]

I wouldn't have taken that trip with 50 other people.

[@robertknowles2699]

Including several Christians experienced with combat with US Army ?@@shannoninalaska

[@friarfox]

I honestly don't know what possesses people to be so situationally blind. I remember visiting some islands back in the day and my partner wanting to stray from the tourist areas to see "local culture". I put a big stop to that idea knowing full well what happens to careless tourists. This is first world foolishness in third world countries.

[@optimoprimo132]

Also a lack of sound moral principles. A lack of true virtue of prudence, common sense, of the virtue of courage. For some people life is lived on the extremes of defect(cowardess) or of excess(recklessness) and not the middle ground of virtue like courage. Courage is the internal power which allows us to face fear and avoid cowardess but also gives us prudence to avoid unnecessary perilous risks through reckless behaviour. Virtue is always the path between two extremes.

[@debrapaulino918]

@@optimoprimo132 perfect summary of virtue

[@kellymichelley]

@@optimoprimo132 None of that has to do with virtue. Virtue is about morality.

[@optimoprimo132]

@@kellymichelley Of course Virtue has to do with morality. What are you talking about. Morality has everything to do with the right or wrong of free will human actions. Actions form habits and habits form character. If you continually cultivate bad actions then you are forming bad habits which results in bad character. a good habit is a virtue and a bad habit is a vice. I'm sorry but as intelligent and free willed creatures our lives are governed by morality, virtues and vices etc... The discussion IS about the morality behind what led to the death of this woman. Bad Morality forms characters and characters form society.

[@Loralanthalas]

What makes you think she was unprepared? Did you not listen to her preparations? Self defense? Kayaking... there was an entire section on it. Including her acknowledging danger, but deciding that the big old bad world should be seen anyway.

[@tomquinn607]

I am an American expat living with my family for almost a decade in the Philippines. As a Westerner traversing foreign lands you should never travel alone and understand that people (however wonderful) that you encounter have a mindset that is entirely different from yours. And always listen to well intentioned locals.

[@marleneamry4258]

It's a general rule when travelling in unknown places - always "ask" the local people how the situation is in areas one wants to visit - and how "safe" it is!

[@Eclipsepearl]

And those who have visited recently. Judging the real risk of a destination is tricky. The State Department is absolutely the worst. I would have never gone anywhere if I had stuck to their advice!

[@Ty91681]

There was no mystery about what she was getting into. It's all well documented prior to her trip. She also actively ignored advice of locals. So I'm not sure what you're on about. She did all that and then didn't bother taking the advice.

[@omzy8700]

Amazon forest is very well known to be dangerous and also the local did warn her not to go and that it was dangerous

[@doorguru168888]

@@Ty91681 I constantly see viewers reply on youtube as though they didn't watch the whole video, or they didn't pay attention. It's very annoying, but it will continue to happen.

[@SkySpiral8]

No person can be fully self-sufficient-and this situation is an extreme example of when NOT to get obsessive about doing things all by yourself. No shame in teamwork. And there is, in my opinion, shame in putting others at risk to go try and find/rescue you after you’ve willingly put yourself into one of the most dangerous spots in the world.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Totally true about putting others at risk. That happens a lot, where search and rescue is put at extreme risk to save people.

[@hollandtruong6483]

Well said & agree!!

[@sunnygram3850]

I don't know if it's because of her parents death or what.zbut it seems like she just had to succeed as she said once.quttimg would be a failure and she just couldn't do that.Its sad she had so much to give to the world that it ended like this.

[@tefinnegan5239]

Just tell people "don't obsess".... that'll work. 😆

[@SkySpiral8]

@@tefinnegan5239 Lol that’s their problem

[@ice-coldspear9193]

She chose her own way and we have to respect that. Not everybody looks at life the same way and who knows what is the right way of doing things.

[@diane9247]

OK, right off the bat I'm thinking, oh no...the Amazon...alone... I have always prefered traveling alone, but I would never attempt someplace with a long history of treachery. Plenty of experienced men have been literally butchered along that river, especially if they've gotten lost in the drug smuggling region. (Two male environmental scientists were killed in the same general area last year or the year before after getting lost.) Solid rule of thumb: listen to the locals.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

So true, when I was researching this, lots of other stories of people being attacked or murdered along the Amazon popped up. I did read about those two men recently, so sad.

[@megacatsupreme466]

Imagine paddling around a corner in the river.... Then you come upon a narco semi submersible being loaded. A hundred heavily armed men just stop and stare at you. That's it. Gave over. Very tragic end to an accomplished life.

[@Lifebydeath]

So dumb even if you do any kind of solo backpacking it’s a bit stupid not to be able to protect yourself I’m always carrying at night in the local forests but this was really asking for it

[@moonhunter9993]

yes, if an ordinary local (someone who has no interest in luring you or getting something from you) gives you advice: listen!

[@thecatatemyhomework]

In my opinion she had some sort of mental illness.

[@HappyHolyHealthyLife]

Wow, I'm in tears, and I have such mixed emotions about her story. I commend her courage, yet there is a sadness to her life, and not just for the obvious reasons. It's like she was trying to outrun something within herself, perhaps her pain and loss, while also trying to fill a void that apparently nothing could fill. Im sad that things ended this way for her. 😔🕊

[@isidoro8566]

Good comment. deciding not to stop when warned by the locals is at least irrational and may indicate mental detachment, being outside of yourself not being able to fully assess the situation. a dangerous mindset to be in no doubt. I'm deeply saddened by this unnecessary premature end of life. RIP Emma.

[@katebeckinsnail910]

Emma sounded like a really cool person. Rip Emma, rest easy with mom and dad .

[@Oceans11.11]

Can’t help but feel that she was fearless due to the loss of her parents and whether consciously or subconsciously, was going to press on even if it meant death. Even though she got herself killed by not heeding the advice of locals, it takes some serious bravery to do what she did.

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

Or a lack of will to live, and I don’t mean this, in any way as an insult, to her. I think a lot of loss, can create a profound sense of hopelessness, that we might not even realize we feel. It is logical, that this can occur, for any human being. I think that she was, in her way, attempting to alleviate a much deeper pain. We do the best we can, hopefully. She seemed to be a very giving person, as well. She lived a lived a life of value, but seemed to lack the deeper human connection, that she probably needed; that we all need. The way she died was tragic, but she seemed to try her best, to search for answers in her life journey. I respect this. She was very envelope in the sensory world, but chose to travel alone, which implies a desire for some reflection. She likely understood the risks, and made her peace with this.

[@jeanisdancing]

Grief can bring a kind of despair, depression, indifference that causes one not to give a d--mn

[@Dee-so3by]

@Oceans-jc1dj, you call that bravery?

[@lauramarymcculloch9388]

Really happy to see a female doing this genre of storytelling, subscribed!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Welcome aboard!

[@OSuzieQBabyILuvU]

All of our journeys will eventually lead to the same end. She only put herself at risk, and she knew the risks. Good on her for making her journey a fearless adventure.

[@Paranoidandro1d1]

I think her adventuring spirit (as its defined here) was really just a side effect of the trauma from losing both her parents. She pushed ever further on riskier expeditions and if I was one of her nearest and dearest I'd be asking myself why I didn't manage to solve the root cause for all this adventure lust. If you swapped the references to trips with more common accepted vices (alcohol, drugs, sex etc) then the story would be a lot less glamorous. RIP Emma, at least you'll be with your parents again.

[@SerbAtheist]

@@stealthwarrior5768 And that is why so many people in the US are dreadfully alone. We humans aren't meant to be islands. We're meant to help out and take care of each other, including, yes, telling a loved one when they are being lead or leading themselves down a dark path, not because you want to control them, but because you truly care about them.

[@doubleoblit]

@@SerbAtheistagain: it's your job to tell other people how they ought to live their lives. People have this thing called autonomy, look it up.

[@cg6314]

​@@doubleoblitI have no idea how you read "tell someone you love that you're worried about them" and somehow got "hold a gun to their head and demand they never go hiking" out of it 😂

[@SunRabbit]

All these physical challenges in the outdoors are dangerous because humans weren't meant to be outdoors. We are the only species that needs technology (clothing, shoes, shelter) to stay alive because everything on this planet is trying to kill us (floods, fires, tsunamis, earthquakes, poisonous snakes). If she wanted a challenge, why not start a new business?

[@SunRabbit]

@@doubleoblit It IS your job to say something when someone's putting life at risk. "People have this thing called autonomy, look it up." Sounds more like PRIDE than autonomy, and the last time I "looked it up" pride was not a virtue but a VICE.

[@lisadaniels7873]

I think the fatigue and sleep deprivation impacted her ability to recognize how much trouble she was wading into ... it just kept getting worse, but she couldn't process the need to stop. Also, the "adrenaline junkie" piece I believe did play a role ... it comes on slowly like most addictions, and it impacts the brain the same way. It takes more and more risk to get the same "feelings of satisfaction" then in the beginning. But once she was out on the trip, I think sleep deprivation was significantly involved.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I think you nailed it here. Both factors explain the decisions she made.

[@lisadaniels7873]

Thank you for sharing her story. So very sad.

[@inagaddadavidababy6163]

Sleep deprivation is so unhealthy. Her magical thinking is so concerning and I wish so much she had followed her gut. Follow your gut, folks!

[@amiquigonzales7917]

Sleep deprivation, accumulated fatigue, and probably the sense that she had lost enough time and that this was a trip to end on schedule (weather can change dramatically in just minutes in the Amazon region, it is always hot but heavy storms may break out so fast) played a vital role in, sadly, Emma's last adventure. Besides, ruthless criminal gangs in the deep rainforest, she didn't have the chance, did she speak Portuguese? She should have listened to locals and made some parts of the trip with a male guide or some security males. When you live in Europe or the United States you can't imagine how fierce and ruthless these criminals may be. R.I.P. brave Emma, she is, too soon, reunited with her beloved parents.

[@mikew3194]

@@adventuresgonewrong Can I add that manual boating on the Amazon is pretty much a one-way deal? She didn't have many options, maybe she could disembark at a village and find a way to Manaus? Tough spot, but bad, sleep-deprived and naive decisions.

[@wioi]

As soon as you mentioned the red zone and what it ment, I immediately knew what most likely would be the outcome of this story and I was right. She certainly would have heard about the red zone before doing her trip so I just don't get why she would chose to do it all by herself much more so because she was a woman. Men get killed by sadistic monsters as well of course but I just wouldn't do something that dangerous alone.

[@kdavis4910]

Emma developed the Amazon equivalent of summit fever. She couldn't stop at that point. I'm leaving on my own adventure April 11th to hike north bound on the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. I've spent 4 years preparing for this journey. In my research it seems that many people aren't convinced they will succeed on their long adventures in the beginning. The further along they get the more confidence they build. For some, te accomplishment becomes the most important thing in their worlds at that time. I can't begin to imagine what she must have gone through 😮

[@chenanigans]

My step-dad accomplish some of this trail with a buddy but then they had to exit because his buddy got hurt and I'm glad they did because summit fever is not worth it just enjoy the path that you were able to take. Same with me I hiked mountain out here called Mount Pilchuck and it's notorious for its views once you get to the fire lookout but there is a scramble to get there but me knowing I have absolutely no rock climbing experience even if it was the lower level of rock climbing and I was by myself with no gear or anything I didn't let Summit fever get to me I turned around and just enjoyed the views where I was which was still at the top and to this day I always think how that could have been the end of my Adventures are my very last hike had I given in to the lust of Adventure

[@elaztec.aztecca]

@kdavis4910 what’s your update on your Appalachian Trail hike? Where are ya now??

[@jefclark]

did you do the trail?

[@okaywow3486]

sunken cost fallacy

[@cathiecollins7320]

Please keep making content, you have a wonderful gift for telling a story with compassion and grace

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks Cathie! That’s quite the compliment and I do plan on keeping at it!

[@mickwhelan7074]

As an ex-soldier, I understand the spirit of this Brave soldier, She had the skill set to go on her life journies. There is an old saying; A jack of all trades is better than a master of "ONE". She walked away from the campfire, where so many sit in fear and judge. Emma Kelty I salute you. And well done that woman for telling her story so well.

[@jamesgraham6122]

I'm close to the end now (mid-70s) of what has been by any standards, a fairly adventurous life.. I can attest that when about to undertake some task that involves more than the usual level of elevated risk, there's an aspect when setting off that, 'it hasn't happened to me yet' .. and we push on. On the occasion when things do go badly wrong and everything is falling apart there is a strong element of disbelief that this can be really happening.

[@whelanmmw]

Just found this channel. Love it. No sensationalism. The campy format lends itself to sharing on a more personal level. Nice work.

[@j-t4436]

Im a 6.5 280lb man. I was travelling around Mexico when I was learning Spanish. I had wondered into a place I didn’t know, when a local woman in a shop told me to leave the area because it wasn’t a safe area for tourists that stood out so much. I promptly left. They aren’t doing it to try and scare you! Take their advice! I’ve seen to many of these videos with naive females that simply choose to ignore how dangerous the world can be at times.

[@thecosmicxx]

@@j-t4436 females? Women I think you mean but men can be naive too, that’s very unfair. In fact men die more in these types of “adventures”

[@craftingwithcharm7665]

That was a horrific way to go, it made me gasp! You’re right though, she was an adventurer at heart. I just found your channel & I appreciate how respectful you were while telling us about her adventurous life.

[@enigmauniwar9166]

A long chain of unfortunate events and bad decisions left her alone and defenseless in one of the most dangerous places on earth. Some of her decisions gave me chills to be frank. However even though I knew from the start how it would end (channels name and video title gave it away) I still found myself hoping it would be fine and rooting for her until the very end.

[@TheVAULTofHORROR]

A long chain? She was fine until she was told not to venture into the area and 3 days later she was dead.

[@cameronward9443]

Someone like Emma exist in a state of overcoming their adversity with grit and determination. I've seen a lot of explorer types shrug off dangers figuring they could overcome them when they arise. When things get technically difficult grit and can do attitude only take you so far. I knew someone who was doing an overland amazon through hike, and they said the best thing they did to prepare was took a 3 week course on escape and evade techniques offered by ex British SAS for Jungle Warfare. Sounds extreme, but simple things like camouflaging your campsite and practicing light discipline etc... would have likely saved Emma's life.

[@pamspencer5733]

What city is this training? And do you know the price,offhand? I'm from New York & need this;) Thank you for this info!

[@Louise-u3w]

Exactly. When it's cold and you still have to walk 20 miles, you can grit your teeth, and sheer determination will pull you through. But when it comes to danger by other humans, you need to have psychological knowledge and have a plan. You have to think ahead and prepare yourself. Emma did neither of these things. She floated in the middle of the river and camped in the middle of the island where everyone could see her. She was like a sitting duck.

[@sphere6258]

Agreed!

[@Emerald_City_]

No, on the contrary, it sounds very simple and logical. But why bother if you are on a suicide mission…

[@goodbonezz1289]

There’s something about the need to fling your body down hills, go to extremes with speed, parachuting, solo adventures etc, to fulfill some void in your life. I can relate as I used to be a huge risk taker myself. Some would say I still am, due to my work. But I know the difference. Either you’re lucky enough to come to a place where you realize you don’t need to do these things anymore or, you run out of chances. There is a world of difference between not living in fear and taking totally unnecessary risks. Sometimes you outrun your guardian angels with foolish decisions. Terrible turn of events for her. Sorry to hear.

[@kcoffey0708]

I’m watching this after watch a newer video. I love watching channels go and the creators getting better equipment (I think). The sound is so improved in the newer video. Congratulations on your channel growing.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Yep and of course this one has to be my most viewed! 😆

[@neilangus1363]

That's a brilliant documentary, wonderfully narrated and written

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks so much!

[@bunnyduncan]

There are a lot of great stories to tell on KZbin, but there aren’t necessarily a lot of great storytellers. However, you’ve managed to strike a perfect balance of knowledge, enthusiasm, cadence, and humor… well done!

[@wstafco]

Emma was dealing with alot of loss in her life. As such, she may have compensated for this by doing adrenaline related activities that gave her the 'high' and a place to escape. It's possibly synonymous to drug addition, but, I'm no psychologist. Regardless, she never needed to lose her life like this. She was not harming anyone and it's such a shame how this ended. May her soul rest in peace!

[@tonette1813]

The adrenaline rush is like a drug I believe.

[@muthafukajones1513]

Took the words out of my mouth. Since the start I knew this was all about the crisis in her head. Not even any reward for these adventures. Risking it all for nothing. Really just seems like a death wish. Each trip was an escalation to get closer to it just like an addict.

[@mitzimcewan9124]

Just a more socially acceptable drug. In the end, it killed her just like an overdose.

[@shenanitims4006]

I’d argue about the “not harming anyone.” She still had friends and family who wished to see her again. Losing a parent early does force one to accept mortality before most, and does change one’s outlook compared to their peers. No team is together forever, but I wish she had seen that although they’re ultimately temporary, relationships are still worthwhile.

[@oreocarlton3343]

Entirely correct, it's like drug high or buying things to make you happy, it's similar consumerism with travel hobbies which is one of the most expensive hobbies you can have. I don't judge her since there are more destructive things people do to escape but this serial adventure hobbies shouldn't be admired as well since they are just mindless consumerism.

[@jphwife]

She wasn’t stupid, but she was a reckless and definitely naive about the way the world works. RIP Emma. 😢

[@takiyaazrin7562]

Advise is refused. That is stupid

[@jimsteinway695]

There is a huge element of stupidity in recklessness

[@tufty7663]

Rich people in a poor people's world.

[@omzy8700]

She was literally advised by local which are people that were born and grow up in there all their lives about the danger and that she shouldn’t go but she refused to listen the local people .

[@ariesaraya1822]

She maybe looking for death subconsciously.

[@leahcoppinger8770]

Excellent video. You narrated it so well, thank you! Rest in peace Emma, free spirit and adventurer.

[@rebeccapaul6455]

What an amazing woman she was! Thank you for telling us about her life and not just her death.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I think her life story is super important to truly understanding her and what drives her. As it is in all of these stories, focus only on the incident and you lose so much context.

[@anthonyscott5407]

How exactly was she amazing? You can kayak in colorado and live!

[@martinayari3529]

​@@anthonyscott5407exactly

[@TicTac2]

amazing to not be more afraid of what she was attempting@@anthonyscott5407

[@dee8714]

How does risking your life needlessly make you amazing! She was always desperate for an adrenaline rush. Sad, not amazing!

[@8888-9]

What a honouring tribute to a good friend. Showing her friend at her best. On her adventures.. Her friend knows Emma well. Loosing those you love close to one another's passing, affects people in unique ways. I like her friends realistic attitude, down to earth. All the best.!!

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

Seems to me her mental health had been affected with all that was going off and had probably made up her mind she didn’t want to carry on anymore...Very Sad Story 😢❤

[@Vorachan1111]

Thank you for passing along Emma’s adventures. You did a wonderful job narrating and recapping her risky and dangerous travels. You kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to more from you.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks so much Valerie!

[@missshroom5512]

I lost a older brother when I was 21, my Dad when I was 24, my other older brother when I was 27. I understand…I sorry for all of you going thru these kind of losses. I admire her for her courage and tenacity👍🏼🌎☀️💙

[@pattih7]

You’re a talented story teller! Emma chose her course and went until, sadly, it’s end. 🙏🧡

[@ShinyBubbbbles]

You did such a wonderful job telling Emma’s story. I’m so glad your channel popped up on my feed. I hope you are encouraged to do more! Your content is very intriguing!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thank you so much! I plan to keep posting more stories.

[@amywright2811]

I really enjoyed that and you told it respectfully and well. That lassie was as bold as they come and it's really good that her achievements are recorded and recognised. Not all lives end peacefully, but what a lionheart.

[@gregoryfoster8179]

I paddled whitewater for 15+ years and her guides were correct in making her portage the bad rapids. You rally need serious experience before attempting class 4 or 5, and 3s can certainly kill you as well. As for her ultimate fate, when dealing with bad hombres is best to avoid entirely and to attempt that solo is definitely not a well planned adventure. But hey, she went out doing what she loved and that makes all the difference. Nice story telling, thanks.

[@gaypreator8547]

Rolling in a calm pool is one thing, fighting the forces in reality, whole different scenario. Yes she got what she sought, adventure and reality.

[@OmOnWheels]

Thank you for sharing Emma’s story. I am one person who probably would never do anything that she’s done, especially since I’m almost 64 at this point. I appreciate her spirit and her adventurous soul. Even though she was forewarned, I am sad to hear she didn’t survive the trip. May her spirit live on.

[@mollymelena6104]

Emma knew the risk. She wasn't careless or naive. She was fierce, determined and defiant. Like her friends said, Emma would have pursued this adventure even if she knew what the outcome would be.

[@janefromtennessee]

Very sad that she needed to push the limits. It cost her life She was intelligent, pretty and had many opportunities she could have pursued. Thank for telling us her story.

[@johnair1]

sorry but being this goal oriented, ignorant and disregarding all red flags and even posting what will later happens has nothing to do with intelligence! She was completely detached from intuition, healthy thinking and a healthy mindset.No offense but i think she suffered from some mental health issues bc she looks very tired in all photos and in distress!

[@theresabuede]

I found that Emma‘s story of her life experience through adventures all over the world, moved my own adventurous spirit. As a cancer survivor, I have had to accept certain limitations, but have pushed myself way beyond what I was supposed to be able to do. I absolutely loved the spirit of Emma to conquer her fears and push herself beyond what seemed possible!

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Way to go! 💪🏼

[@margiewinslow872]

Yes! The great courage it takes to survive pain and fear. And you did it! From a fellow cancer and heart surgery survivor.

[@AnEnemy100]

I like your sympathy for the person that Emma was.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

I can really relate to her.

[@wandervan.kb71]

It's such a sad ending for her and her loved ones, but she lived her life on her terms fully knowing the consequences. I would say she was very brave and achieved so much from her outdoor victories and she should be remembered for those. Thanks for the great storytelling!

[@bailey2913]

It almost seems after losing her parents the risks she took were extreme, like she was dicing with her life. Only imo but she should never of tried kayaking the Amazon alone, your odds in a group are bad enough let alone doing it solo. I totally admire her spirit but there’s a fine line between being spirited and recklessness it seems. RIP Emma I hope you’re with your mum and dad again, so sad this happened to someone so full of life.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

You’re absolutely right, her adventures got bigger and so did the risks. Everyone seemed to see how dangerous the solo Amazon trip was but her.

[@bailey2913]

@@adventuresgonewrong I think losing her parents broke her heart so much maybe she thought because of that she was tough enough to deal with anything. I know what loss can do to someone’s life because I’ve let it wreck my own. Thanks for the up load it was an interesting one 👍🏼

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Sadly, I can relate as well. And you’re so right. The death of a parent can really alter someone’s life.

[@cinnamongirl5410]

Exactly.

[@Julia-b9x]

** losing has only one o

[@whitedragoness23]

This channel is really growing on me after KZbin recommend it. Catching up on your past videos

[@hArtyTruffle]

She lived her best life and now, she’s with her Mum and Dad. ❤

[@seekingserenity1902]

I really appreciate her pictures and videos being so prominent. You really see the person and their experiences and it keeps their memory alive.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Glad to hear it. I think it helps to understand her story and see that there is a human behind her last adventure that got so much attention. You can also see patterns of her adventures and see how she wasn't reckless. She took her safety seriously but for whatever reason, made a fateful decision to continue on the Amazon trip.

[@edmundcowan9131]

Better off to stay alive

[@prtsonga2011]

She lived her life to the fullest.

[@bethmeredith7735]

Great story telling. Good flow. Sorry she didn't make it. She lived life on her terms. Thank you for the video!

[@NoBootyBeauty]

She lived life on her terms and died on other people's.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Lived her (*short) life on her own terms

[@Galen-864]

A police chief I worked with was attending a police chief convention in New Orleans. He and his wife decided to take a walk to their hotel. When he later mentioned this to the police chief of New Orleans, the guy couldn't believe they were still alive. He said they were in such a dangerous area that the only reason they weren't killed was because the bad guys probably thought it was a sting operation!

[@pamelamccoy5220]

Love your channel! The bit where you got blown off camera by the strong winds that you were describing at the time-- brilliant! 😂🤣

[@eleanorrae7378]

I admire the kind and open mindset you have brought telling Emma's story.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

Thanks, I hope we can all have constructive discussion about these stories and the people. It might help someone in the future think twice about a risky decision or going out unprepared.

[@Winstonrodney6989]

All value judgments aside, she did it her way. Much respect. The world as we know it today was founded by people like her. People that took enormous risk to live a better life.

[@adventuresgonewrong]

That is a fantastic point!

[@Winstonrodney6989]

@@sandrazollman550 yes, when she clashed with the guide early in the trip it was probably her arrogance clashing with the guides experience and she didn’t like it so she couldn’t wait to be by herself which was a big mistake. Fast forward to where the area got really dangerous and I think by that time her state of mind had deteriorated to a point where rational decision making was out the window. Not listening to locals was definitely arrogant as well. These are the value judgments I was trying to set aside to give her adventurous spirit some respect but you’re not wrong about the fact that it lead to her not being alive. I get scared sometimes just walking through Bad parts of Oakland Ca. (Lol) so I do give her some props for doing so many adventurous things in her life , definitely nothing I would personally do though. Peace ✌️

[@joselin2466]

Wrong. Her actions didn't make the region safer and noone will benefit from her actions. The world was not founded on people like that .

[@Winstonrodney6989]

@@joselin2466 well I was just trying to put a positive spin on this woman’s life and sad demise. Also the people that founded the world as we know it were not so glorious at all times either. Some of them murdered and stole the lands we now live on. But our modern world was founded by people that were told don’t go there them indigenous people will murder you and they went anyway. Mountain men that went to trap beaver in the hills never to be seen again, people like Lewis and Clark that mapped out the northwest passage. Gold miners, railroaders, and settlers on wagon trains crossing Death Valley. The Donner party.

[@pipfox7834]

@@Winstonrodney6989 well said, sir! I second that :)

[@OnlyLoveIsWelcome]

Reminds me of the guy who refused to respect that island no one is supposed to go to. They warned him and he escaped twice but he just kept on trying to force christianity on them. They killed him and ate him. This lady was warned several times and I'm sure she read about the dangers during her research. I can't tell if she was so focused her judgement was impaired, if she was an adrenaline junky to a fault, or if she truly believed she'd be fine and she didn't have enough respect or fear of what could happen to her... Maybe she was secretly suicidal because why else would you risk your life for something like this? There's endless opportunities to thrill seek that don't risk your life and won't leave your loved ones devastated💔

[@lisaperry5999]

She knew the risks. After reading many news stories,not only locals warned her,but previous travelers,had spoken with her,about experiences being held by gunpoint. They didn't travel solo either. 1 of the 7 wasn't arrested until this month. His codefendents all pointed towards him as the rapist,torturer,and murderer. It was completely needless. She thought she knew best.

[@knarftrakiul3881]

I think it's sad when people feel they have to risk their lives to feel alive

[@carolehenson6180]

What a wonderful memorial to Emma's life. You did a fantastic job of identifying risks, how she looked to mitigate them... and then ultimately to push on despite very serious warnings. I feel she would rather have a shorter life.... than a long one without adventure. The Summit Fever syndrome surely sounds like it could have played a role in her drive to press on. Thanks for sharing Emma's story. I admire her determination, even though I wish she would have not pressed on after the last warning by a native person.

[@doctorartphd6463]

People have limits, and we MUST know what they are. So sad to think people can be so naïve and make poor decisions. Such a shame.

[@drexlev]

thats why the wisdom of mankind have grown to the point to live in townships and walk through streets covered in masks in fear of their safety and sometimes get run over by a bus. Long story short: Dont put your false sense of security as a measure of other peoples courage to live life led by courage and not by fear and call it naivity. Emma died because of the cancer of todays system that produces the worst of type of human life and she put a strong example that we have to change our perspective of life if we want to live as we are supposed to do and not what this sick system forces us.

[@lovelessissimo]

I lived in Brazil for years. They are a very polarized society. They are at once friendly and welcoming, but at the same time violence and criminality have been so deeply engrained into the culture that its just part of life. No one thinks it strange that every house has a wall with broken glass glued to the top, or barbed wire, or electric fences if they can afford it.

[@OfficialGlam2232]

I love your story telling and the way you make people smile but also to stay true to the lessons we should take from your videos! Thank you for being on KZbin!