Couple rescued near Cantwell

On Tuesday night, Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Air National Guard rescued two people near Cantwell who were isolated in sub-zero weather.  According to the State Troopers, a call was received shortly after 10:00 pm from a family member who was concerned about Scott and Vivian Mayo.

Scott Mayo left the family’s cabin near Mile 105 of the Denali Highway to check his trap line sometime before Tuesday.  When he did not return, his wife, Vivian, went to look for him.  After neither returned to the cabin, a family member called Troopers.

A Wildlife Trooper responded on snowmachine, along with volunteers.  Vivian Mayo was located about one mile from the cabin.  The Trooper determined that she was suffering from extreme hypothermia due to the -20 temperature.  He activated a locator beacon and contacted the 11th Air Wing’s Rescue Coordination Center.  The R-C-C dispatched a Pavehawk Helicopter and C-130 airplane to assist in the search for Scott Mayo.

Air National Guard personnel located Scott Mayo shortly after 5:00 am on Wednesday.  He had built a small warming fire, and was reported to be in good condition.  It is unclear how long Scott and Vivian Mayo were exposed to the cold. Both were transported by helicopter to Anchorage for treatment.