Every year, Ursula Bannister makes her way up to High Rock Lookout near Ashford, Washington. It’s a special place for Ursula because 23 years ago, she scattered her mother’s ashes there. As part of this annual pilgrimage, she brings flowers to honor her mother’s memory. Normally, Ursula, who is 79, tackles the 3.2-mile, challenging trail with a family member or a friend. But this time, on August 28, she felt confident enough to make the journey on her own, drawing on her extensive hiking experience.

“The trail is steep, earning its reputation as a difficult hike, yet I wasn’t worried because I’ve done it so many times before,” Ursula explained from her home in Tacoma, Washington.

She set off at around 11 a.m., successfully reaching her destination. However, on the descent, Ursula stumbled and caught her foot in a hole in the ground, sending her tumbling forward.

“When I sat up, it was apparent my foot was twisted wrongly. Instinctively, I knew my leg was broken, and my attempt to stand with my hiking pole proved futile when it collapsed under me,” she recounted.

Realizing her dire situation, Ursula called for help. A considerate stranger soon arrived and dialled 911, though the prognosis was grim, with a rescue team estimated to arrive in five hours.

“It wasn’t the most reassuring news,” Ursula remembered. “I asked if anyone had pain medication as the discomfort was becoming unbearable.”

Unfortunately, no one nearby had any painkillers. The situation shifted when two young men, having heard Ursula’s cries, came over from the lookout. Seeing her plight, they graciously offered to carry her down the trail.

The Good Samaritan was Troy May, a United States Air Force Airman stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Along with his fiancée and a visiting friend from New Mexico, they were out enjoying the day at the lookout.

“I was fully capable of carrying her down,” remembered 20-year-old Troy. “It wasn’t even a decision in my mind; I simply knew I had to help her if possible.”

Gently, he lifted Ursula onto his back to begin the descent. Most of the way down, Troy carried Ursula, with help from his friend Layton Allen, who took over part of the arduous journey.

The kindness of strangers didn’t end there. Partway through their trek, Trade’s boots began causing blisters. An unknown hiker offered his own shoes to Troy, generously helping where he could.

“That was only one example of kindness happening around us,” Ursula said with gratitude.

Additionally, a physical therapist bandaged Ursula before the descent and crafted a makeshift splint for her leg from available wooden pieces. Meanwhile, an occupational therapist assisted Ursula by guiding her with breathing exercises to maintain calmness.

“I was utterly overwhelmed by the generosity and selflessness shown by these people who quite literally emerged from the wilderness to help me,” Ursula marveled.

Throughout the lengthy descent, the rescuers entertained Ursula with stories and asked her about her life, all in an effort to distract her from the intense pain. To them, she recounted tales about her childhood in Germany and shared her experience moving to the United States at the tender age of 14 in 1959.

“Her life journey was fascinating,” Troy noted. “Engaging her in conversation was our way to make the trek go smoothly while providing comfort… we all functioned like a well-milled team.”

Their approach to divert her was effective. “Focusing on anything other than the pain eased it somewhat, making me shout less,” Ursula said, acknowledging their collective psychological support.

At the trail’s endpoint, Allen drove Ursula to the Tacoma General Hospital, initially two hours distant, with Troy following closely behind. Upon arrival, they stayed with her until her son could reach the hospital, demonstrating their immense care.

“I felt as though these individuals were angels sent from above,” Ursula commented. “Their willingness to extend such remarkable help was heartening.”

Once at the hospital, doctors confirmed the severity of Ursula’s injuries—fractures to her tibia, fibula, and heel bone.

“The medical team was quite impressed with the ingenuity of the therapist’s makeshift splint,” Ursula explained, adding how they highlighted that immediate attention saved her from worse injuries.

That night, Ursula returned home at 1 a.m., equipped with crutches, facing the challenging wait for the swelling to decrease before undergoing surgery a week later.

“Now, I proudly own 11 screws and a titanium plate in my leg,” shared Ursula with a tinge of humor.

Recovery involved a wheelchair, with possibilities of putting weight on her leg in four to six weeks suggested by her orthopedic surgeon.

“I’m healing, clearly on the right track,” she reflected.

As Ursula continued recuperating, those who aided in her descent consistently checked in, including Troy. His bravery earned him the Air Force Achievement Medal on September 9, with his heroics chronicled on a U.S. Air Force website.

“I believe our bond will last a lifetime,” Ursula predicted.

Though her broken leg brought pain and hardship, Ursula felt gratitude from having strangers who went above and beyond, transforming the ordeal into a memorable, positive experience.