Arizona

Student stranded for 5 days near Grand Canyon grew desperate

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this March 17, 2017, photo released by the Arizona Department of Public Safety shows a sign made by Amber VanHecke, who was stranded for five days near the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The 24-year-old Texas college student left signs on the car that ran out of gas detailing where she was headed in search of cell phone signal, and rescuers eventually found her. (Arizona Department of Public Safety via AP) (The Associated Press)

In this March 17, 2017, photo released by the Arizona Department of Public Safety shows signs made by Amber VanHecke, who was stranded for five days near the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The 24-year-old Texas college student left signs on the car that ran out of gas detailing where she was headed in search of cell phone signal, and rescuers eventually found her. (Arizona Department of Public Safety via AP) (The Associated Press)

In this March 17, 2017, aerial photo released by the Arizona Department of Public Safety shows Amber VanHeckeher's vehicle of near the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The 24-year-old Texas college student was stranded for five days and had left signs on the car detailing where she was headed in search of cell phone signal, and rescuers eventually found her. (Arizona Department of Public Safety via AP) (The Associated Press)

A Texas college student stranded for five days near the Grand Canyon says she was making farewell videos for her family as she grew desperate for help.

Arizona authorities say 24-year-old Amber VanHecke was well-equipped and did everything right after getting lost in a remote area during a solo road trip.

VanHecke said in a Facebook post that she was heading to a hiking trail but was led astray by her maps app and wound up in the middle of nowhere with an empty gas tank.

VanHecke made several signs but didn't have cell phone access. She eventually hiked for miles to a spot where she had a signal, although the call dropped.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety says they were still able to spot her abandoned car using a search helicopter. VanHecke is at home recovering.