Family Found Deceased in Forest Depended on YouTube Tutorials for Survival: Close Family Member

• A family member revealed that a family found dead at a campsite in Colorado relied on YouTube for survival knowledge.
• The trio had embarked on a journey to live off the grid and began camping in July 2022.
• Despite their plans, the family kept their location a secret and did not disclose it to anyone.

According to a relative, two sisters and a 14-year-old boy who tragically died at a campsite in Colorado had embarked on an off-grid lifestyle and relied heavily on YouTube videos for survival knowledge.

Rebecca Vance, 42, her 14-year-old son, and her 41-year-old sister Christina Vance were discovered partially mummified in the Gunnison National Forest after a hiker stumbled upon their tent on July 9, as reported by authorities.

Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes revealed that the family had likely started camping in July 2022 and attempted to live off the grid. However, they lacked survival experience and primarily relied on YouTube videos and online research, according to Trevala Jara, their stepsister, who shared this information with The Washington Post.

Jara mentioned that a friend who successfully lived away from civilization had provided them with survival tips. However, the family declined Jara’s offer to use her RV and generator to practice living independently in the mountains, as they believed they were well-prepared.

Expressing her concern, Jara stated, “I was absolutely scared and worried for them. The last time they even went camping was when we were kids.”

The sisters kept their location a secret from their family, and Rebecca Vance had become distrusting of the media and external influences, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christine Vance joined her sister and nephew in hopes of increasing their chances of survival, according to Jara. She emphasized the importance of not underestimating the challenges of living off the grid solely by relying on YouTube and the internet.

Although coroner Barnes suspected that the family may have succumbed to starvation or extreme cold during the harsh winter, the official cause of death is yet to be determined. Additionally, it was noted that the family had literature on outdoor survival and foraging but still purchased groceries from a store.

The family had also made efforts to construct a lean-to shelter, a simple makeshift structure for rest, but were unable to complete it before winter.