Brave 6-Year-Old from Chilliwack Shares Her Incredible 24-Hour Adventure Lost in the Woods

When six-year-old Lily Coursol went missing in the woods near her Chilliwack home, it sparked a massive search effort. It was May 1, and Lily had followed two neighborhood dogs into the thick forest, a place she knew well. Her grandmother, Brenda Brintnell, was working in her garden when a neighbor informed her that Lily was missing.

Brenda quickly gathered friends and neighbors, and they began searching. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Chilliwack Search and Rescue soon joined the effort. As night fell, Lily, who had a strong grasp of outdoor skills thanks to her grandmother, used what she learned to keep herself safe.

Lily recalled, “I just knew I was lost.” Despite her fear, she kept moving. She thought that if she went higher, searchers would spot her. With the night chill setting in, she covered herself with leaves, a survival tip from her Nan.

The next morning, a massive search operation began, with helicopters and ground teams looking for her. Lily patiently waited, feeling hungry and scared but remembering to stay calm. “Nothing” was all she did while waiting.

Exactly 24 hours later, she heard searchers calling her name. “I’m lost,” she said when they found her. Despite wandering about 700 meters from home, she was in good health, though a bit scratched up.

The search team used a harness to lift Lily out of the dense woods. In a heartfelt reunion, she raced to her Nan, exclaiming her excitement.

Lily was taken to a hospital where she had her first meal— a hamburger and some snacks. Brenda expressed deep gratitude towards everyone who helped during the search. “It was a true community effort,” she said. “So organized and supportive.”

This incident highlights the importance of outdoor knowledge, especially for children. Experts often emphasize teaching kids essential survival skills. According to the National Park Service, children are more adaptable in nature than adults, which can sometimes lead to incredible survival stories, like Lily’s.

After her adventure, Lily returned to school where she received a warm welcome. Now, she and her Nan continue to bond over outdoor activities. They’ve even returned to the same woods, this time together, reinforcing that knowledge and community support can make a critical difference in challenging situations.

Brenda strongly believes that Lily’s knowledge of the outdoors and her instinct to stay put helped her survive. “She used her smarts to be found,” she said proudly. In moments of excitement and playfulness, Lily is reminded of her strength and resilience—and she is just getting started on her adventures.



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