On Friday afternoon, August 7, 2026, relief swept across West Michigan when Michigan State Police announced that three people missing since Tuesday had been found alive and safe.
Jazmin Houck, 28, Sarah Vida, 28, and Vida’s 9-year-old son, Kayden Kovalcik, were located deep in the woods roughly three-quarters of a mile northeast of the Mill Iron Road Boat Launch. They had spent nearly 72 hours exposed to the elements after a tubing trip on the Muskegon River went wrong.
The Disappearance
The group launched from the Maple Island Boat Launch near Bridgeton in Newaygo County on Tuesday, August 4. They were using standard pool floats rather than heavy-duty river tubes designed for current and debris.
The alarm was not raised until Wednesday afternoon. Sarah Vida’s father grew concerned when he could not reach her and drove to the launch. There he discovered her vehicle with a broken window and no sign of the three. Family members confirmed the group had gone tubing and had not been heard from since.
Search efforts quickly expanded. By Thursday, crews had recovered four abandoned inflatable tubes believed to belong to the group, along with preliminary footprints along the river corridor. The search involved multiple agencies from Newaygo, Muskegon, Kent, and Ottawa counties, supported by Michigan State Police, the Department of Natural Resources, drones, boats, and ground teams.
The Breakthrough
The critical break came on Friday. Michigan Department of Natural Resources officers examining a log jam spotted small child footprints in the grass. A Michigan State Police K-9 unit was brought in and began tracking the scent deeper into the heavily wooded area.
Just after 4:30 p.m., the K-9 team and DNR conservation officers located the three survivors. They were found between six and seven miles downstream from their original launch point and less than a mile from the Mill Iron Road Boat Launch.
All three were suffering from dehydration, exposure, scrapes, bug bites, and poison ivy. Two of them required assistance walking out of the woods. They were transported to a local hospital, where officials said they were expected to make a full recovery.
A Coordinated Effort
Michigan State Police praised the multi-agency response. “This is the outcome everyone involved had hoped for,” the agency stated. “We are incredibly grateful for the tireless efforts of the many law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, search and rescue teams, and volunteers who dedicated countless hours to this search.”
The successful outcome ended days of uncertainty for the families and the wider West Michigan community that had been following the search.
A Reminder from the River
For those of us who spend time on Michigan’s rivers, this incident serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly conditions can change. The Muskegon River is a beautiful and popular waterway, but it demands respect. Proper equipment, a clear float plan, knowledge of take-out points, and communication with someone on shore can make the difference between a memorable day and a multi-day ordeal.
West Michigan Kayaking Club continues to emphasize preparation, appropriate gear, and group accountability on every outing. Wild rivers offer extraordinary experiences, but they also require us to show up ready.
We are thankful that Jazmin, Sarah, and Kayden are safe and recovering. Our thoughts remain with their families as they reunite and heal.
See you on the river.
Wild rivers, rugged trails, real adventure
— West Michigan Kayaking Club
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