Family rescued after spending 72 hours lost in Michigan woods

A family is recovering after rescuers found them alive following a terrifying 72 hours lost in the Michigan wilderness.

(NBC)- A family is recovering after rescuers found them alive following a terrifying 72 hours lost in the Michigan wilderness.

Michigan State Police Trooper Zach Murphy helped lead rescuers through deep brush to find Jazmin Hock, her cousin Sarah Vida and Vida’s 9-year-old son, Kayden.

The group disappeared after setting out Tuesday for a tubing trip on the Muskegon River. Their floats were popped by a logjam, leaving them stranded.

With no shoes and dressed for a day on the water, the three were forced to make their way through difficult swampy terrain while waiting for help.

The two women gave their limited supply of protein bars and water to Kayden. The group eventually resorted to eating flowers, tree bark and ants as they struggled to survive.

By the time rescuers reached them, Hock was visibly cut up and suffering from severe dehydration.

Body camera video captured the emotional moment rescuers located the group. Murphy embraced the family and even offered Hock his own shirt.

“I can’t believe that three people allegedly in bathing suits, with no shoes on, were making the trek through that swamp,” Murphy said.

Rescuers eventually led the family out of the woods, with 9-year-old Kayden receiving a piggyback ride along the way.

Murphy described the rescue as a “fourth quarter, fourth down Hail Mary victory.”

All three were taken to a hospital to recover after their afternoon tubing trip turned into a three-day fight for survival.