Lost in the Snow | James Kim Case Analysis | Lethal Sense of Direction

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of James Kim?
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[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

As a Minnesotan, I was taught in Driver’s Ed class that you NEVER leave your vehicle if you get stuck in the snow. I also carry a Winter emergency kit with me, containing candy bars, water, flares, blanket, etc.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

I live in an area where you can get stranded by snow in the winter and wildfires in the summer. The back seat of my vehicle looks like it’s auditioning for Extreme Preppers.

[@ladymopar2024]

Exactly if you live in a Northern State or even if you live in the desert they will tell you the same thing. That's what makes this whole thing so sad

[@idellekell]

A bag of tea light candles and matches are also very useful. You can keep a car somewhat warm just from a few candles burning. Essential when winter driving in Canada!

[@nomoreprivacyanymore]

Swede here. You are right.

[@rdhawk929]

From Upstate/central NY. Same thing. My car always has the gear that could keep me alive for at least a few days.

[@TheGreenarrow88]

The number one killer in a wilderness survival situation is overconfidence in one's own capabilities.

[@tammyblack2747]

I believe that.

[@ladymopar2024]

And the Marine Corps that is what you are taught, any military service they will tell you that I live in Alaska and oh my goodness I didn't want it to be but I got one and so the back is set up with a bed extra food extra water Sterno can

[@AI-dp3rd]

I feel like the number one killer is nature, but number two is human nature

[@bomnitoperro9422]

And Epstein didn't kill himself

[@Anti-FreedomD.P.R.ofSouthKorea]

Well, the only thing that could probably break one's rationale to make such absurd decision would be someone in his situation- trying to save his own family knowing if any action wouldn't be done in attempts to find the needle in the haystack his wife and children may die soon. I can *only* imagine how fucking, fucking horrible the man would have felt in his last moments, it's beyond tragic

[@auntielaura5]

I’m uncomfortable with blaming someone who died, but the message is very important. Hubris killed here, just as it did when the other story you related about the family who died on a hike. Once again proving that logistics should always be arranged by pessimists.

[@bthomson]

That last sentence has the ring of truth!🔔

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

That last line of your comment = 💯 percent handbook of life type of information. Just so true!

[@hellgirlheleena]

I have to agree. The road names alone should’ve been indicators it was probably the wrong way to go. Tragic.

[@possumaintdead]

Here, here!

[@laumay7364]

And you forgot the bicycle trip couple. Some people don’t know how deep the water goes. If you live to tell, then you know.

[@casparillo987]

I am sad that James lost his life but am uncomfortable with the fact that he clearly put the rest of his families lives at risk.... thank god his wife and the children were rescued...

[@michaeladair6557]

I agree that he DID put his family at risk with his stupid decisions, but he arguably DID save his family by his tracks being spotted by the helicopter. He sacrificed himself for his family's health after accidentally putting them at risk. Which, to me, his sacrifice cancels out his stupidity and just makes this a terrible and sad tragic story overall. 😢

[@21centuryg]

@@michaeladair6557 I wonder if they had any more matches or a way to make another fire though because that would have been easily seen by the helicopter faster than footprints.

[@michaeladair6557]

@@21centuryg Hey I never said he wasn't stupid... Either one of them could have been making signal fires in different areas as well, wasn't the oldest one big enough to hold the baby. Plus they burned their perishables too early before anybody knew when to look for them. The bare fact is, his death tracks provided a way for his family to be spotted whether by intention, accident or divine intervention. His death made their life possible, so in my book, it squares it away and it's just tragic.

[@taylormedeiros1946]

Sometimes this conventional wisdom can backfire. DeWitt Finley was similarly stranded in the same area in the Winter of 1995, did not leave his car to search for help, starved to death, and was not found until Spring. There are no absolute right and wrong rules when it comes to survival. It is not that our decision making capabilities count for nothing. Whether we make a good decision or a bad one will in part determine whether or not we survive a dangerous situation. The problem is that sometimes it doesn’t matter if we make the best decision or not because events are overwhelming. Even more often the best decision is not clear until after the events have unfolded; until hindsight has granted us 20/20 vision. In the heat of the moment, you make the best decisions that you can based on the information you have, and you hope that it is enough. In James’ case, it wasn’t enough. I think the urge to criticize James’ decision to leave the car in hopes that he could locate help comes out of a powerful sense or belief that most of us are motivated to protect that the world is a predictable and rational place, and that if we only do the right things, make the right decisions, that we will be protected; that our lives will continue in a good manner. We want to believe that if we are good, in other words, that good things will happen to us. But this is not how the world works, in actuality. In actuality, bad things do happen to good people. Every day. All the time. And I wish people had more sympathy. He eventually was the one to save his family regardless if it was ‘right or wrong’. The only reason they were found was due to foot prints he had left in the snow. The rescue team wouldn’t have found them if it wasn’t for that.

[@limabima77]

Men can get stubborn when it comes to travel and listening to their wives my dad was this way we were never in danger but he got kinda crazy traveling.

[@PhoenixRisen63]

This happened about 50 miles from where I live. VERY sad, no local would have attempted Bear Camp Rd in that weather. I have never been able to understand why he didn't stop before they got that far in, or turn around while they had a chance. It's kind of a scary road in GOOD weather...narrow, twisty, deep ravines, not paved all the way through. It's a definite shortcut to the coast, but hardly anyone uses it for that, because it's just NOT a good road, AT ALL.

[@bthomson]

Some many "If onlys!"

[@kaneriseley3124]

@@piva1358 definetly, he sounded very stubourn, he was previoulsy warned that the hotel was hard to find but big strong man thought he knew better, lol

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

I agree. I lived in Jump Off Joe Creek Rd in the 70s. I would never drive those BLM roads in winter.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

I do remember a road in Merlin you could take snd connect to Redwood Hwy just west of Grants Pass - but it didn’t go over the mountains.

[@tracys169]

Yes. I remember watching this on the news. I also live not far from where this happened. My heart broke for the family when I heard what happened too.

[@asmr_nostalgia]

This tragedy is one that’s hard to listen to.. It was so avoidable. I’m always blown away when intelligent people lack all critical thinking skills.. it’s hard to comprehend honestly. Thanks as always Dr. G!! Ps: almost at 1mil!! 🥳

[@christinehutchins123]

Critical thinking? Just thinking at all! Doing this on your own would be stupid. Doing it with babies is insane. Didn't they ever think about getting stuck, running out of gas etc. And how would they and the babies survive?

[@dw3403]

@@christinehutchins123 In this modern time? pffftttttttt sarcasm off

[@LDiamondz]

@@christinehutchins123 He should have trusted the hotel owner and went to a hotel closer to the road they were on. The hotel owner wouldn't turn down a customer, if it was safe.

[@hanfred]

@@LDiamondz Exactly!

[@tyraebowie6175]

Usually you’re either book smart or “street” smart. And the intelligence he had at the time wasn’t giving him a leg up in the slightest, sadly…

[@littleboots9800]

By the time he left he was dehydrated, hungry, freezing cold and tired/stressed. His faculties were really affected. Also there were bears all around their car, that made collecting wood and firebuilding dangerous. Rescuers who found his body called his efforts to walk 16miles/km? in his state "superhuman." It was on difficult terrain too as well as being poorly equipped and hungry. Ballen does a much more detailed video on this accident on his channel and gives the poor man the respect he deserves despite his mistakes.

[@Neillan]

*"The family stopped to eat at Denny's. Amazingly, this would not be the worst experience they had this evening."* These roasts are enough to keep me warm this winter, thanks Dr. G!

[@bthomson]

🏔❄🌨⛄🔥

[@garybevis8691]

They could have a much worse experience at the Shari's...lol

[@quantumpotential7639]

It's very disrespectful of the Denny's brand. They work hard to stay open all night to feed hungry travelers and here we are laughing at all Dennys. Dr Grande needs to retract his statement, apolohize and go into a Denny's and order their Grand Slam breakfast and some hot coffee. The waitresses who work there are good salt of the earth people who do NOT deserve this type of abuse over social media. Now let us 🙏 pray. Thanks

[@rogerh2694]

​@@quantumpotential7639 No really, Denny's is a decent diner IMO just like McD's. I think Dr. Grande is "trying" to be funny but doesn't really fit him.

[@helpyourcattodrive]

The journey to 1M is getting closer … exciting! Thanks for an interesting and meaningful story and analysis. Respect the wilderness. Respect the elements.

[@StaceyQTPie]

Can't wait for 1 million! Dr Grande is awesome!

[@bellyfulochelly4222]

I think Dr. Grande is trying to hit the 1 million before the new year, hence the breakneck pace of his uploads. And I, for one, am here for it. 😏

[@eddiebingbong7977]

The proclivity of symmetry is adverse on the condition discussed I think we can all agree!

[@bthomson]

Run that by me again?

[@eddiebingbong7977]

@@bthomson I would agree with the inconsistency amalgamation but it’s obvious proclamation thusly absolved the comments to a point of sin ribozymes!

[@maxoblivion]

It seems that James Kim was the kind of guy who couldn't admit he was wrong. He missed the intended route and then made one mistake after another because he couldn't admit he was making mistakes. He would've saved himself and his family by simply going back to the original route after realizing he'd missed it. His last moments must've been hellish as he realized he had killed himself and probably his family too.

[@kissarococo2459]

It always floored me when my ex could never ask directionsbecause of male pride. My father was an old-fashioned truck driver and had no problems asking directions. "Man who asks questions never strays from the road" is what the said.

[@lt7378]

Yes, I don’t get why men won’t ask for directions. My husband won’t even signal to get into the next lane when we need it because it would show he’s at the other car driver’s mercy to let him in. He’ll wait or just speed up to get in. I tell him if he signals, a lot of people are nice enough to slow down and let him in. It’s all pride.

[@jpc3603]

Eeek this is like something straight out of a horror/thriller movie: 3 road warning signs missed - mistake. Family splits up - mistake. Leaves car wearing only sneakers and a light jacket - mistake. Optimistic a deserted road named 'bear camp road' will suddenly experience traffic... dear oh dear...😣💜

[@SethMacLeod95]

Oh my it’s too perfect.

[@yogabbacrabba1457]

Or going to BLM Rd 34836. I mean, that sounds like a very remote road with no connection to civilization.

[@laumay7364]

What about the fact that he's traveling on a mountain road, in bad weather, in a town he's unfamiliar with and the locales tell him it's hard to find and he doesn't listen. 😑

[@bthomson]

With kids!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Interracial couple too. They always die in movies also.

[@shaanee]

I think he just didn’t appreciate how harsh the pacific nw can be at higher elevations. I would have abandoned the detour after maybe 40mins if I was being a little reckless. After an hour, I’d only be concerned with getting back to the freeway esp if snow was getting heavy. Having grown up in a harsh climate ..generally you avoid driving a long distance if winter or extreme cold weather is expected. The hotel was probably thinking they could get lost and with little kids plus winter become stranded until morning.

[@arnehusby1420]

Tragic history. City people totally lost. Here in Norway we cross the mountains in convoys during winter. With a large plow driving in front and in the back of the convoy. We have tires with spikes and blankets and food in the car. But not respecting the signs are a death trap. They also tell on the radio and TV the numbers of roads open for driving. But we live in the dark and meters of snow more than half of the year. Still there are often chaos the first day of heavy snow fall in the citys. But few heavy accidents.

[@AWanderingEye]

Arne, this is fascinating. Sounds like a real science has been made of traveling through winter conditions in Norway. I live in MN and we rarely will close down a freeway. Only in the NW have I seen barricades that are used for that purpose. So much is left up to the individual's ability to make good decisions.

[@Sibermom7]

If you drive in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, be prepared Snow can be awful and gas hard to find. Lots of State and Federal land -- to search for you if you get lost

[@arnehusby1420]

@@Sibermom7 Take care in the snow.

[@Sibermom7]

@@arnehusby1420 Thanks for the caution. I do my best to avoid.driving in the UP in the winter. Lower snow this year. I'm still concerned about driving across the bridge. A woman and her Yugo slid across the bridge and over the edge about 1989. I've had a healthy fear ever since.

[@arnehusby1420]

@@Sibermom7 Winter tires are a must where we live. Take it easy and it is OK. :)

[@ArtByHazel]

This is a sad situation. I remember one instance where we missed the exit and took a back road on a snowy, slippery, dark road, it was so scary and I was praying that we find the main highway again. It’s good to look around the warning signs, re-evaluate our choices, and trust our gut. Thank God.

[@Sibermom7]

Luckily many GM cars/trucks have onstar , much better than cell phones.

[@quantumpotential7639]

Trust God!!

[@possumaintdead]

My husband used to be very fond of those “off the beaten path” kinds of books and websites which often enthusiastically advocated for routes like bear camp road. He used to laugh at me for loading up on food and water and putting extra jackets when we went hiking. We ended up in some pretty isolated places. To be sure we fortunately never found ourselves in this situation. I used to say the difference between us was I always expected to die, and he never did! Here’s hoping you hit 1 M by Christmas!

[@AG-en5y]

Smart girl

[@bthomson]

Always better safe than sorry!

[@Figsyy]

it's one thing to put himself in danger, but it's kind of unfair to involve you as well. i'm glad you were able to stay safe!

[@TecOneself]

947K Hey.

[@LDiamondz]

Sounds like my husband and me. I was the one always thinking ahead, taking time to pack things and such. He'd be like, "Ok, road trip, let's go right now!." No. Just no. Slow your roll. SMH. Men!

[@cascadianrangers728]

Do. Not. Take. Shortcuts. And stay where you are when you get lost.

[@Preservestlandry]

Like that lady from the Donner Party said: "Don't take no cutoffs."

[@steveshea6148]

Some proven ideas: im the first days of being stranded, set up three signal fires in a line 100 feet apart. A single fire could be dismissed by viewers, whereas three columns of fire is a clear signal of distress. Alternately, set up one that is ready to light at a moments notice to signal low flying aircraft.

[@bthomson]

More good ideas!🔥🔥🔥

[@suzuh5060]

I read something recently that was noteworthy. If you find yourself lost and you're out of cell range, change your voicemail with a message of your location or whereabouts so when family and friends call, they at least have an idea where you are and search party will at least have a starting point.

[@kathyclark8274]

To Shoe Gal: What an EXCELLENT and novel idea which no doubt could provide additional clues to loved ones.

[@tylertyler6418]

Wouldn’t you need cell service for the voicemail to be changed? Like if you can’t call out, but someone tries to call you, how would they get your new voicemail if they didn’t reach your phone and the service provider also has no connection to accept your new voicemail

[@catherinepowell4149]

@@tylertyler6418 That's what I thought about as well. It's a nice idea in theory. I suppose once you realize you're lost or in danger and still have some service, then change your voicemail in case you lose service or your phone dies.

[@RealBradMiller]

"According to the rescue team, changing your voicemail while lost is virtually impossible. The nonprofit pointed out that in order to change your voicemail, a person would need a signal and if there is no signal, changing the voicemail on your phone to reveal your location is a moot point." Though if you have a signal and don't realize and lose it again(Say you are stuck in a storm and are sleeping through the night) I think it could possibly work... maybe? I'm seeing this has become popular on Facebook and Tiktok, but no one is providing solid information, like that you need a signal to change your voicemail, and that if you have a signal you should be calling emergency services, not changing your voicemail. Lol

[@AG-en5y]

If ur out of range would you still be able to change your VM?

[@paultheaudaciousbradford6772]

I was impressed by your good sense when you went over the “lessons learned” portion at the end of the vid. When you described the couple at first, I got the idea they were intelligent and sensible but, apparently, you can be well adapted and successful in the modern super-developed world we’ve built for ourselves and still be next to helpless in a more primitive environment. I considered them “intelligent and sensible”. Their mistake was in endorsing that flawed idea.

[@pulaski1]

The problem is that in the "modern super-developed world" the vast majority of people have no experience or practical knowledge of wilderness survival, even in the absence of extreme weather conditions. Also, in this case, it is clear that the couple had no idea how _big_ America can be - the idea that you can drive 23 _miles_ down a logging road is something that someone from a large city, or especially from outside the US, might find extremely surprising.

[@Lisa-ny2mr]

I think you’re exactly right. I see this as he didn’t know what he didn’t know. I grew up in a pretty densely populated suburban area. It’s honestly hard for me to imagine how remote some places are. I have visited some far out places, but probably nothing like this. While I’d like to think I’d head all the warnings they ignored and I would have turned around much sooner, I can almost see how this could happen. Seems it just didn’t occur to them how far out and how unprepared they were.

[@lydiab6063]

Yep. My husband and I were driving in Arizona years ago and the lack of frequent gas stations outside cities was jarring.

[@pulaski1]

@@lydiab6063 If infrequent gas stations is your measurement of "primitive environment" and "wilderness" then I recommend that you don't wander outside municipal boundaries. 😆

[@Ruth-jd9vd]

Fascinating, yet tragic. A good lesson for all to be safe and make good decisions and think of possible consequences...Thank you, Dr. Grande!

[@DeejTu]

Due to the fact I was living in Bend, OR at the time this happened, I was going to go and see if I could help in some way but I might have been lost in the snow also. Due to the fact I was born and raised in Southern Oregon, I do understand that some things you do when panicking don't work in desolate areas and I think that's what caused James Kim's death...he lost his sense of direction, was thinking he could reach civilization and didn't realize the wooded areas are not like living in the cities.

[@arnolddyer5454]

Donna ya...NAILED IT!

[@kenmore01]

I was driving from Seattle to mid-Montana one year and the situation got worse and worse. Dark, snowy etc. I stopped at the first hotel I found for the night. Same with a pass in Colorado. It doesn't matter much where you stop, just stop!

[@hectorstrachan]

Amazingly this wouldn’t be the worst experience they had that evening…….”Denny’s” 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 simply priceless

[@KatJ3st]

That was the BEST line in the whole segment

[@problematicmonika3723]

What a sad story. If you are ever lost like this remember these tips: - Keep blankets in your car - Keep some water and some food in your car - You can drink snow but warm it first with your cars heater. - Don't leave your car - Be sure your muffler is cleared of snow. There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if it is blocked. - Google basic survival tips. Edit: Typo

[@AmberMoonLight22]

Great tips! :)

[@eadweard.]

Why warm the snow?

[@carishaw4143]

@@eadweard. when you eat snow for liquid before melting it, it can make your body colder and lower your body temperature lower, doing more harm than good

[@eadweard.]

@@carishaw4143 oh yes thank you.

[@problematicmonika3723]

@@eadweard. if you eat snow you'll lower your body temperature faster Edit: someone beat me too it lol

[@dianamarie5663]

It is a different kind of subject for you today Dr. Grande. There are so many stories of persons getting lost and disoriented in unfamiliar places. I feel so sad for the Kims. Mr. Kim meant well.

[@bthomson]

Yes I think he really did!

[@Noname21113]

Leaving his car could have been an act of desperation rather than confidence. When you’re desperate you loose commonsense…

[@steph4922]

I think he was desperate to get help for the kids.

[@MyRedmamba]

I wonder if the fact that they were traveling with two babies influenced their bad decision making. I’m sure at several points during the road trip the eldest child became cranky and whiny and the 7 month old would naturally start wailing several times a day. I can imagine the parents being stressed and worn out by the afternoon and not having the energy to look up different places to stay. Then when they missed their exit, they became more frustrated and just wanting to get to the hotel sooner and that’s why they didn’t turn around. They were in no condition to be making decisions at the moment.

[@derstoffausdemderjoghurtis]

Good contribution

[@bthomson]

Although this comment is almost certainly stating the case, parents need to be smart for their children! Risks you might take for yourself should be avoided with kids!

[@razmataz1383]

I grew up in Oregon and I am familiar with this area. It is not an area you would go to in the winter. I live in northern Arizona now. I still carry a tent and backpack with enough items for several days in my vehicle. I see a disconnect here as well for people when hiking the canyons. They hike in 100 degree weather without water at the Grand Canyon, fall over the edge of canyons when taking pictures, or ignore flash flood warnings. People travel here wanting the Instagram photo shoot without realizing how unforgiving Mother Nature can be.

[@helpyourcattodrive]

One time we were going to Big Bear Lake in a limo and there was so much snow and then it snowed even more and the advisory was for snow chains on the tires. We turned around and went home to the city. Forget it.

[@bthomson]

Was the cat driving?🐈

[@eadweard.]

Whenever I hear "limo" I automatically think of one of those black, stretched limousines with dark windows and a walnut drinks cabinet. I assume this is inaccurate in this case?

[@teresacox2511]

The very first essential item to take along on any trip (life) is common sense. Don’t leave home without it. And if you lack common sense, phone a friend who has some and ask them before making any life and death decisions.

[@jehugo66]

My dad always said “Dress so that should you break down in bad weather, you’re prepared to walk.’

[@moodmeow7899]

You're almost to 1 million subscribers!! That's great!!! 😀

[@LDiamondz]

This is a sad case. In an unfamiliar area, with snow getting worse, I think I would have taken the advice of the hotel owner, and went to the closest hotel I could find. He knows the area, I would have trusted him. Thinking, they're not in business to turn down customers. Love seeing all the decorations and lights! Lookin good, Dr. Grande! 🎄🎁🌵

[@freewaybaby]

I remember seeing this story on Dateline or 20/20. It has always stuck with me as one of the most tragic single family stories. I’m glad you covered it!

[@nancyberry1039]

I might be able to add an extra little perspective on why he did what he did. I see he was of Asian decent, just like me. My birth mother being Japanese & my adopted mother is Korean. I think a part of his (skewed) way of thinking was not only the over confidence in his abilities but also a sense of pride, not just "male pride" but it's an Asian thing too. Yes, the whole "I'm the man of the house & I must protect/save my family" but also not being able to admit defeat or even the basic acceptance that you simply made a mistake. In his case, he kept making mistakes, trying to rectify the previous ones which just made it worse. It's an intrinsic part of the culture, at least for my mother's generation (she's in her late 80's now). I remember as a child always being sternly warned not to misbehave or do anything to cause embarrassment/shame for her. If correct, then I think I'm safe in saying that I can hear what that little voice in his head was telling him, pretty much the same thing my own little voice would say to me in my youth. It's sad that he had to pay with his life so needlessly & his family is left behind to carry on without their husband and father... Tragic yet so maddening too...

[@quantumpotential7639]

There's a Japanese soldier somewhere in the South Pacific still fighting the Americans in World War 2. He's convinced they can still win and to this day refuses to surrender.

[@lydiataylor9280]

Thanks for your input, very interesting to learn.

[@macneoh7418]

That is so racist and sexist

[@rockyevans1584]

@@macneoh7418 hey, you need a dictionary. Its great to learn!

[@c.r.k.7162]

@Retired Arthropod I suspect this may also go back to cultural norms, (man is boss) unfortunately.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

The behavior of both adults in this situation is just intensely odd - almost a folie a deux situation…The wife asking to be killed (and they have the two very young children with them), the husband burning the tires and allowing the car to run out of gas yet never backtracking, which is like rule one of getting lost while driving - **turn around to get back to the last known/major road**(such a strange combination of horrible decisions) , just yikes. The decision to drive down desolate roads to a hotel they had no actual **need** to stay at (why not stay locally since it was already evening and leave in the morning? That baffles me the most honestly) and had never been to and had no idea how to get there…so very very strange.

[@MiguelDLewis]

My heart stopped when he said he had his two little girls with them. Thank God they survived🙏🏾✝️🕊

[@HerestheT]

Spoiler alert!

[@TecOneself]

I can pay more attention now, it was heartbreaking to think they've died.

[@artiemd64]

Mom nursed both kids, keeping them alive.

[@TecOneself]

@@artiemd64 Thanks God!

[@TianXiaoMao]

@@artiemd64 lol 😆

[@KCCC326]

I've lived and worked in the bush my whole life, been lost and stranded dozens of times. My lesson to you is that panic is disguised hope. Your sense of hope can doom you in the real world. *edited grammar

[@ursodermatt8809]

i think you just cut the losses and keep living in cities.

[@JaneDoe-ip5yl]

This isn't the only story like this, it's so anxiety producing. Makes me think to keep lots of food & water in the car on a trip. ..dennys would not be the worst mistake-😆

[@MrPapernumberDGG]

Blankets, peanut butter, Nutella, some flares. That’s that blizzard kit.

[@MissHMSilk]

@@MrPapernumberDGG They sell those at Dairy Queen, not Denny’s. 😉👍🏻

[@Tina06019]

And some boots. Always some boots.

[@nadiazahroon6573]

I know where a husband and his pregnant wife got lost, he went to get help and told to eat ice for water which killed , it simply froze her to death.

[@teresacox2511]

Yes we should always be prepared for any situation. However don’t get a false sense of security just because your car is packed with essential items. The first and most valuable essential item to take along is common sense. It can keep you out of a lot of sticky situations. If you lack in common sense, phone a friend who has some before making stupid decisions.

[@pennypaints8091]

I lived in the area when the happened and remember this story. My family didn’t know them but felt connected to their grief because our family has so much in common with them. Thank you for covering this. I haven’t heard anyone cover this story since it happened.

[@angiedixon8017]

I like that this video has a teaching component. Hopefully this story will save someone else from the same fate.

[@starmaster191]

that's probably one component of it

[@MarieJesne]

I can speculate that once he left he didn't want to turn back and face his family, feeling like they were depending on him to find help. He may even have used that as motivation to hike even further than he could physically take, pushing himself to the limit and eventually over the edge, all in the name of saving his wife and kids. Obviously mistakes were made but this was a tragedy and no one deserves to die in this way. My heart especially goes out to his kids.

[@MarieJesne]

@Zeo He couldn't have known that help was on the way to the car. I seriously doubt he wanted to leave his kids fatherless or make his wife a widow. Poor survival instinct doesn't mean he was acting maliciously. Let the man rest in peace. I've made bad choices that seemed like the best path at the time given my skills and knowledge (or lack of) back then, and I would bet that every other person on the planet has too. Thankfully they didn't cost my life. It is so easy to look back and point out what went wrong and insult someone who isn't alive to defend himself anymore.

[@kristis4147]

I do love this format. Where else can one get mental health education while listening to interesting stories. Is it crime, mental health, or current affairs? All of the above all in 1. What a gem 💎 to ah e found this channel

[@jenilynneful]

What a scary situation! Thanks for all your hard work and excellent takes. Nearly a million well-deserved followers!

[@mermarseo]

I remember this incident very well. I lived in Portland at the time and it was covered closely in local media. Beyond that, I worked for a speaker company that manufactured products that James had reviewed and our VP of marketing regularly worked with CNET, talked to James and thought well of him. He came across as a nice guy.

[@KS-se9jb]

I’ve driven down a few strange roads, and I thought “this isn’t right”! And turned around. But I’ve also camped deep in the woods and been up logging roads. So I understand that not everyone understands how to read the change in forrest, road, and terrain as a warning. I’m happy the mom and kids were saved, but it’s still a sad ending.

[@elainearchibald9020]

I'm assuming that it was a hard decision to make when you're in that situation. Leave or stay? What a sad thing to happen. If only they could have turned around and went to the turnoff that they missed. With two small children and freezing cold weather, no food, lost for so long, you may start to panic about getting them to safety. Thanks for your analysis Dr. Grande. I'm happy that the other members lived. TFS

[@AI-dp3rd]

Thoughtful content as always. I’ve recommended this channel to many people, including friends in the social work & medical fields. Excited to see when you hit 1 million!

[@tarabourgeois5807]

You have a very funny sense of humor, it takes a minute to pick up on, but ultimately hilarious 🤣. Would love ❤️ to see you smile or giggle at your own jokes.

[@betlea8070]

It's called a subtle sense of humour! 😂😂

[@devondill225]

The dry delivery is what makes it so great!

[@bthomson]

Dr. Grande did do one outtake ending but I forget which video? It was adorable!

[@tylerc2857]

@@bthomson (edited because I had it completely wrong lol) It was about the couple who went missing in the ocean and the crew who did such a poor job bothering to look for them. Another comment pointed it out and I'd hate to leave the wrong one up in my own comment

[@bthomson]

That's it! Thanks!

[@MrJeffcoley1]

James seemed to have no sense at all. The mistakes he made are almost impossible to believe, and each one is worse than the last. Driving around aimlessly in the snow when you don't know where you are is bad enough, but then walking away from the only shelter he had with inadequate clothing ... damn.

[@teresacox2511]

Yes. Anytime you are going on a long road trip, the very first essential item to take along is common sense. Leave your arrogance and book knowledge at home and pack your common sense. It’ll keep you out of most bad situations.

[@garybevis8691]

Just because you had book learning does not make you smart or clever. He was the perfect case for hubris. I call people like this, idiots. Thank god he did not kill his children and wife.

[@rogerh2694]

No one came to their rescue and they had no other choice than to wait to their death? Finding help was the only other choice. Why don't you try not eating for days and making decisions to avoid death under a fatigued mental state.

[@taylormedeiros1946]

He thought that was the only thing he could to to save his family.. and in the end it basically was. The only reason they were rescued was because of the foot prints James left in the snow. Have some sympathy

[@rogerh2694]

@@taylormedeiros1946 These guys are easily criticizing in the safety and warmth of their home and on a full stomache and have no idea what it's like to try to survive days w/o food. James Kim died a hero for his family.

[@mistym0rning]

This is what happens when people (men in particular) can’t admit that they’re wrong or that they’re lost. Just follow the road back the same way you came - don’t take side roads or “shortcuts” or make assumptions or think your sense of direction is going to be accurate in the dark in an unfamiliar area. This case pisses me off; could’ve all been avoided if the husband had just said “oops I missed our exit, we’ll turn around” on the interstate.

[@jessyjulie5506]

It reminds me of the death valley germans, a German family who's father was extremely over confident and they all died out there.

[@mrs.reluctant4095]

I must acknowledge, my sense of direction is a rather lethal one, too. The topic is nicely suiting our seasonal conditions, love this (also that it is tea time here).🧡 Our doctor seems to be still in a safari mood, but soon we will see him in a christmas like outfit.... 😉😊 I'm glad that Dr. G. never takes me too serious, if at all. That makes commenting so much easier for me... 😂 I wish a nice time to everyone here in this community.

[@bthomson]

Mrs. R - Always the engaging and lovely comments! May your holiday season be peaceful and fun!🎄🎇

[@mrs.reluctant4095]

@@bthomson Yours too! Thank you so much for your always so kind comments! 🤗 👋⭐

[@LDiamondz]

@@mrs.reluctant4095 I make some pretty odd statements, now and then. I'm glad Dr.Grande doesn't take me too seriously, either! 😆 Great comment. Made me laugh! 😁

[@mrs.reluctant4095]

@@LDiamondz 😊👍

[@cherryx7203]

I love the way you tell stories, I can listen to you all day!

[@janeallgood9833]

Man confident in own navigational abilities refuses to ask for directions: A cautionary tale.

[@piperjaycie]

Yeap!!

[@courtneymayfield3380]

I remember the first time I heard this story on Dateline - absolutely heartbreaking. It also made me realize that when my folks wanted me to call before I left and to know which route I’d be taking it wasn’t because they were being nosy, but because they wanted to know where to start looking for me in the event that I didn’t show up as planned.

[@AWanderingEye]

This comment imo needs to be pinned to the top of the heap here! Good on you for realizing your parents intention.

[@Jay-Sebring]

Overconfidence has got to be the #1 killer in any situation like this. Always respect the wilderness and be willing to acknowledge you aren't ready/prepared for certain situations. It's crazy to think he walked 16 miles only to end up 2 miles from where he started. Terrible situation for all involved.

[@soonzach4017]

Thank you for the Kim family story, Always love your voice.

[@hayleybourgault4114]

For some reason while you were reading this I was getting colder and colder. I really hate the cold weather. I think that is a terrible way to die, freezing. You know men never ask for directions, woman always do. Thanks for the story, even a sad one.

[@Sara88890]

I remember watching a documentary about this case years ago, very sad. My great grandma was born and raised north of Agness in 1889; the town that is shown on the road sign featured in this video, many of these "towns" are still markers on a map but at their peak maybe a handful of families lived there, and of course now some of these areas are now in wilderness areas and not maintained as a place for people to live, even when families lived there it was very rugged land, they had to get their mail by mail boat since it was difficult to travel around there by land.

[@mackjay1777]

Agree with your thoughts. I would add that James was a man with a family and may have thought he was putting them first by venturing out on his own, tragically assuming that a town was nearby. I remember this story well and was shocked by it because I had been reading James's tech reviews and watching his videos for a year or so before this happened.

[@ZonictheZoneCop]

I remember when this happened. Me and a couple of friends are really into tech and visited CNET frequently. It was so sad to hear what happened to him and his family.

[@janebraun4482]

I know of a dog who got lost from his owner in hiking trails, the dog got itself back to (owner's) car and just waited there!! Who can forget this sad story?? A series of bad decisions, esp setting out on foot. Did not know he died the same day wife was found. Lessons here for everyone, especially desolate mountain roads with no other cars!!

[@sammygirl6910]

Never keep going if you're lost. Go back. If you can't go back, stay put.

[@doggyfrienddoggyfriend9095]

Dr. Grande, I love your show. Would you be interested in doing a show on the Jamison family mystery. It is a very interesting case, that is still unsolved. Thank you, keep up the great content.

[@Thechangelingpnw]

Having lived remotely, this story stresses me out…no no no.

[@Jared_Wignall]

This is a sad story all the way round. I remember hearing about this when it first happened, but then not a whole lot about it afterwards. Thank you for talking about this Dr. Grande, keep up the great work!

[@ChristinePerez903]

It’s sad because it was preventable. Great video Dr Grande!!!

[@LioraLand1]

This is the first time I’ve cried from one of your videos. At the place I am right now my heart is just breaking

[@RhocksodiBohemian]

Thank you for covering this case. I think one thing people should know is just how committed this man was to his family. He loved being a father and would take his kids everywhere. Even to work. He hated to be away from them. He would have done anything to save his family. If he could tell us now I think he would say it was worth it to know that his family was rescued. It’s a sad story and I wish it didn’t end like that for them. There was some poor decision making that definitely contributed to this tragedy, but his decision to give his all to save his family was not one of them.

[@marysylvie2012]

This unfortunate incident proves that one can be very intelligent, yet if one does not have common sense, or some kind of humility, the results can be disastrous. In this case, James proved he had no common sense.

[@teresacox2511]

Yes the most essential item to take on any trip, is common sense. Arrogance should be left at home. Unfortunately he seemed to be way lacking in one and had an abundance of the other. Sad.

[@phyllisarrington7436]

Well that was disturbing. Ever since I was small my dad taught me & I taught my kids to carry cold weather gear come winter time. In the trunk I'd have : a quilt, water, flashlight, wool sox, insulated gloves or mittens, flannel lined pants, long underwear, heavy insulated boots, wool scarf all in a big ol black trash bag. We lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina though.

[@nataliea.8841]

I remember learning about this tragedy on a 20/20 episode. It was so upsetting and sad - it’s never left my mind. And the important lesson I learned was “stay together, don’t split up”. RIP James 🥺

[@victorsuarez2954]

Dennys joke got me laughing so hard 🤣

[@spiritualgangsta2178]

Note to self: learn from bad decisions and do not repeat. 😢

[@bthomson]

Yes!🎖🏆🏅

[@Lemieux_7]

🤔 I’ve recently been questioning a series of my own life choices. I Feel better after hearing this story. It could be worse🤷🏻‍♀️

[@bthomson]

If you're like me, Dr. Grande's videos have helped you make better choices!

[@jbinmd]

We would ask the scouts in our troop after a weekend outing sleeping in snow caves or quinzees how they would fare in a case like this based on the experience they gained.

[@eadweard.]

What's a "quinzee"?

[@bthomson]

eb - Always questioning if not always generous!

[@jbinmd]

@@eadweard. Sorry if this is a duplicate. A quinzee/quinzhee is like a crude igloo.

[@eadweard.]

@@jbinmd Oh thank you!

[@teresacox2511]

Yes and don’t forget to teach them that the first essential item to take on any trip is your common sense. It can keep you from getting yourself into a lot of sticky situations.

[@kuroneko7022]

Had I been the wife, I would have listened to the hotel clerk who said his hotel was too hard to find at night. I would have told James to think of their children and do what the local who knew the area said. She seemed to just do what she was told without question just because he told her to. She and the kids are lucky they didn’t perish along with him due to his stubbornness. It’s hard to believe a mother wouldn’t have objected to such a bad decision with a four year old and an infant in the car.

[@lindac6919]

THAT'S the comment I've been looking for. No way would anyone, husband or not, get me and my kids out on the road when the State Patrol and the locals say "don't drive tonight." If he doesn't like it, he can suck it up, or drive off on his own, or file for divorce when the storm is over. A wife has a responsibility to her family. A responsibility to speak out and speak up, and stand up.

[@meandyouthroughandthrough]

Rejected the help of the engineers...brilliant. What an absolute tragedy. Foolishness all around I'm sorry to say. Weather conditions as such are not to be dismissed.

[@bthomson]

A timely warning by our good doctor! 😓🤒😩💀

[@burprobrox9134]

Can’t trust engineers. Just because someone drives a train doesn’t mean they understand everything

[@meandyouthroughandthrough]

@@burprobrox9134 yeah, but, they just offered to help. Didn't need specialized training for that.

[@piperjaycie]

Am I missing something? What do train drivers have to do with any type of engineers?

[@bthomson]

Don't you know the Grateful Dead song?

[@smoorej]

When the manager of a hotel says “don’t try to come here, it’s too hard to find at night”, you should really listen and consider other alternatives.

[@lindac6919]

RIGHT??? The manager WANTS you to come. When he warns you off for safety, you know there's a real safety problem.

[@rondaherriott]

I think he was desperate at the end, not over confident.

[@shereenlashine1198]

In addition to your excellent analysis, l would like to add that possibly the interation of the couple may have had a role in this tragedy. Either they were both making mistakes or simply thst the husband was used to leading the family alone disregarding his wife's opinion. He told her to go ahead and make the reservation despite the cautionary advice and she just went along with it? If this were a movie , the man would be arrogant and dominant while his wife would be pleaing with him to listen to her sensible reasonings. It would seem like he had problems admitting mistakes and stubbornly focused on proving himself right.

[@jpwhataboutit]

Yes, we notice your Christmas decorations! They look beautiful on camera, sparkling!!! Thank you for this story. Well done as always. It was so frustrating so many times. Very sad.

[@bthomson]

Living in Arizona so cacti at Christmas seems normal!🎄🌵

[@damesaphira9790]

Amazing. Astounding that SO MANY mistakes were made. How do people become so...unaware of their obvious lack of basic survival skills????

[@Lionstar16]

Pure hurbis

[@rajs7876]

@JGodd aren't you miserable

[@MiguelDLewis]

We men are strong and fierce but we can also be very reckless. We need to listen to our wives and put our testosterone-fueled egos aside sometimes.

[@Joe-Car]

You snuck up with the Denny’s joke. One of your latest best.

[@Tina06019]

Very sad story indeed. I feel empathy for Mr. Kim because I am also impetuous when traveling. However, in my family, I am the one who over-prepares. I have a large amount of emergency & car maintenance & navigation gear (maps & a compass) in my car. My husband’s car, in contrast, is nearly empty. But then, he rarely leaves the highways on a whim when he travels.

[@isladurrant2015]

So sad. I admit I have been loathe to retrace my steps when hiking and got into a sticky situation... older and wiser now I take heed of local advice/weather/terrain/tides, etc and am not too proud to adjust my plans accordingly. Better to get there late than not at all, I'm guessing tiredness and panic played its part as well. A shame he didn't take the advice to haul up in a motel for the night before continuing 😕

[@HeatherHolt]

Oh gosh he tried to save his family. Poor guy he died the same day they would have been rescued but they might not have been found if not for him leaving! What a man trying his best in a terrible situation for his loved ones.

[@Blaze-qe7yg]

If it was in fact his tracks the helicopter pilot spotted that led to the wife and children's rescue, then the father really did save them in the end.

[@frankdux4515]

Lol... don't be so nieve, this man was incredibly dumb and almost got his family killed. Just because he died in a terrible situation doesn't make him a greater man. His "best" was terrible choice after terrible choice. Sugar coating it is a favor to nobody.

[@bthomson]

Hindsight as they say 20/20. He did in fact die in an attempt to remedy his errors. As he is not around to defend himself, maybe best not to be too hard on him?

[@frankdux4515]

@@bthomson His actions. We should be hard on him imo. Highlight his mistakes and call them what they are. Someone may learn something from it. Nobody learns anything of value when we paint him as some kind of hero imo. It just feels good to be "nice". 🤔 He was making choices for 4 lives, not just 1.

[@shimmer8289]

I agree what he did was selfless. Finally a person who has perspective. We can all sit back and scrutinize his decision making, which I think is unfair. In the end he put his own life on the line once he knew how desperate the situation was. DANGEROUS ROADS need to have large signs warning of the dangers. And gates should be closed to roads that are not meant for traffic workers leaving them open was pure neglect. We all make our fair share of mistakes in life let's not ridicule this man. I'm sure dr grande did not intend his video to result in some of the comments I've read.

[@frumtheground]

If anyone ends up stranded like this in cold weather and absolutely can't drive any further, have little to no heat sources, always remember your car is still a shelter. You ca. cut out the foamy stuffing in the car seats and use it for a fire or stuff it under your clothes for insulation, too if need be.

[@valerielhw]

Before judging the couple too harshly, it should be remembered that ALL of us have made serious mistakes that could have lead to deaths. This was a tragedy that we can learn from.

[@YaNoSeNiQuienSoy]

Totally agree.

[@LDiamondz]

True.

[@user-yt7fk7hr2r]

Can you analyse the case of James Bulger ? He was a 2 year old who was a randomly chosen murder victim of two 10 year old boys. Thank you ! :)

[@ladymopar2024]

This story is so incredibly sad, living in Alaska it is imperative that we have extra supplies some people carry flares some people carry satellite phones I had to drive back home last night thank goodness I had water food because the roads were terrible even though it's a major throw away the only have one it was nerve-wracking they should have never left the car breaks my heart when people are not prepared and find themselves in these situations the back of my SUV is actually have a bed extra food sternal water and I just sit and wait because you can't text but we have a lot of dead areas always stay with your vehicle.

[@GradyPhilpott]

Punctuation would help us to read your valuable comment.

[@tgoodson2]

Stay with your vehicle? Not necessarily if no one is there to realize you’re missing. Secondly I would not trust our survival to others unless there was absolutely no choice. But then of course I grew up in a log shack in northern Canada. Lol

[@ladymopar2024]

@@tgoodson2 I do have extra part because I know which parts are going to go out if they're going to go out and always tell somebody where you're going. I know my Punctuation is bad cuz I have to talk to text my hands are usually useless. I usually wear lots of rings so I can at least know where my hands are. I understand not staying your vehicle however because we only have one road people are bound to stop for you, in the summer we have tourists they don't stop for anything. And my car broke down this last summer I got my tools I got the part I needed I got the jack, took longer to put the part on then it did to get the part I'm Jack skipjack up-and-down nobody and I mean nobody for 45 minutes pulled over it was bumper-to-bumper traffic so I always stop for a car that's on the side of the road. I carry protection, I know Canada can be pretty in the middle of nowhere to

[@tgoodson2]

@@ladymopar2024 did you have a flat tire? When I was young I would always stop to help but now I'm old and less able or brave enough to stop

[@ladymopar2024]

@@tgoodson2 no I had a fuel filter go out on me actually it runs along the rocker panel to the gas tank I'm so good I can change him in 20 minutes. I did on my way home one day see an old pickup with canoes on the top of their old truck along with two children in the back, I stopped for them and they said you think this tire will get us home nope it was flat so he had no idea where the spare tire was what he had to do I help them step-by-step made him do all the work got him on his way and followed him home kids were about in their twenties and handsome little guys with them.

[@williamolson3989]

thank you Dr Grande.This you-tube video you just made may save lives in the future.This video should be circulated

[@telinhajp]

Hi Dr. Grande! Have a great Wednesday! ❤️

[@theprotector1234567]

Now a word from my sponsor for todays show...Denny's

[@kathyclark8274]

Some of you may be happy to learn Denny's is on very shaky ground financially, headed towards insolvency. Don't be surprised to find many of their chain darkened, shuttered, and locked after the first of the yr because they cannot meet their overhead.

[@Mjones5018]

I’m just glad the kids survived. Damn man

[@Flamsterette]

Same.

[@AxelordSMIJES]

It is especially sad when a tragedy happens, and the person or people that tragedy is happening to have nobody to blame but themselves.

[@haggis525]

I'm a guy who loves bushcraft/hiking/survival training with decades of experience in the wilderness. I always underestimate my ability to navigate. Even in daylight hours the bush is always ready to disorient you... always carry a map and compass... I never leave home without them. He made pretty much every newbie mistake. But, then, he did dine at Dennys so, there's that.

[@misterx4757]

Wow doctor. A very compelling story. I enjoyed your retelling of it and analysis of what might have happened. A little different from your usual crime analysis but a little more humanizing. Great stuff. Be sure to give yourself a break for the holidays and get some family time. We'll still be here. Happy Holidays everyone!! 🎁🎁🎄🎄🎉

[@Flamsterette]

I hadn't heard of this case. Thanks for your analysis.

[@cottontails9003]

Good afternoon Dr Grande. What a sad and tragic situation. This man was obviously, intelligent. Mistakes can be made but this one turn out to be fatal. My sympathy goes to the wife and their children. Thank you Dr Grande Great analysis. Sad topic.

[@LDiamondz]

Yes, this was a sad story. I think his pride got in the way of his critical thinking skills. Great comment, btw. ☺🌹🌷⚘

[@SM-en7vp]

I will NOT tolerate any Denny's slander!!