After Cliffside Crash, Injured Man Crawls to Safety Thanks to His Loyal Dog

Jacob Schmitt was hunting in Utah’s Uinta Mountains with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Buddy, when a terrifying accident turned into a life-or-death situation—one where Buddy became the hero.

While driving his side-by-side UTV, Jacob felt the ground beneath him suddenly give way. The vehicle plunged over a cliff, rolling multiple times before Jacob was violently ejected, landing 20 feet away. It was 8:30 p.m., and he had suffered a broken leg, fractured ankles, and broken ribs.

Alone, in pain, and without his phone or emergency kit, Jacob began to panic that no one would find him. That’s when Buddy appeared at his side, unharmed and checking in on him.

As night fell, Jacob realized his only chance was to crawl back to his vehicle. He crafted a makeshift splint using duct tape, a belt, and a stick and began the excruciating climb.

Over the next 11 hours, Buddy stayed with him, helping guide the way. The LED light on Buddy’s SportDOG collar lit the path. The dog would stop ahead of him on the trail, encouraging him to follow. He said Buddy guided him out like “some sort of angel.”

At last, Jacob reached his vehicle and managed to drive to a nearby restaurant. From there, he was rushed to the hospital, and firefighters took care of Buddy.

After several days in the hospital, Jacob is now home recovering, thankful that his best friend became his rescuer.