Colorado Family's Quest For 'Off-Grid' Living Ends In Devastation

The majestic and unforgiving landscapes of the Rocky Mountains can allure even the most adventurous spirits seeking a simpler life away from the chaotic world. However, for one Colorado family, this journey proved to be fatal, as three members lost their lives in a remote campsite during a desperate attempt to live "off the grid."

The emaciated remains of sisters Christine and Rebecca Vance, along with the latter's 14-year-old son, were discovered this month in a remote campsite nestled within the rugged terrain. The findings were shocking, as a coroner revealed that the trio likely succumbed to starvation or exposure during the harsh winter months.

Colorado Family Off-Grid Living Ends In Devastation

According to family members and close sources, the ill-fated adventure commenced in the previous summer when the group decided to embrace a self-sustained lifestyle far from civilization. 

Their stepsister, Trevala Jara, shared with the Washington Post her insights into Rebecca Vance's mindset: "She didn't like the way the world was going, and she thought it would be better if she and her son and Christine were alone, away from everybody."

However, this daring endeavour came with a lack of preparation, as the group had no prior outdoor survival experience. Relying on information gleaned from online videos on YouTube about living off the grid in the harsh Colorado wilderness, they set out on their perilous journey. 

As Jara expressed to the Colorado Springs Gazette, "You can't go on the internet and watch videos on how to live off the grid, and then actually do it if you have no experience. You just can't do that. They died of starvation because they weren't prepared."

All three victims hailed from Colorado Springs, their cause of death still under investigation, pending completion of toxicology reports. 

Their bodies were discovered on 9 July by a hiker at the Gold Creek Campground in the Gunnison National Forest, situated at a daunting elevation of approximately 9,500 feet (2,900 metres).

Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes revealed that the two sisters were found inside a tent, while the teenage boy's body lay outside. The circumstances suggest that they had attempted to build a shelter, but the harsh winter conditions forced them back into the confines of their tent. 

"I wonder if winter came on quickly and suddenly they were just in survival mode in the tent," mused Mr Barnes. "They had a lot of literature with them about outdoor survival and foraging and stuff like that. But it looked like they were at a grocery store."

The tragedy might have been preventable, as Mrs Jara revealed that the family had tried to dissuade them from embarking on their perilous odyssey. Unfortunately, the allure of a life off the grid had its grip on the ill-fated trio, and they remained resolute in their decision.

As the investigation continues, the heartbreaking story serves as a sombre reminder of the challenges and risks associated with venturing into the wild unprepared. It underscores the importance of not underestimating nature's ferocity and the necessity of acquiring proper skills and knowledge before daring to live "off the grid" in the wilderness.

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