Retired Alaska State Trooper Helps Rescue Husband Pinned by 700-lb Boulder
Kell had been walking about 15 feet away from a group of rocks when they started to fall and slide, carrying Kell with them.
Man Gets Pinned by Boulder
“Then it’s a blur. I went tumbling. I landed in the water. You could hear the noise that large rocks make as they’re rolling over each other,” Kell said. “I landed face-down in the river, and then I felt the rock hit me in the back and pin me down.”
There was just a small amount of space that kept Kell from being completely crushed.
Ex-State Trooper’s Actions Save the Day
His wife, Jo Roop, a retired Alaska State Trooper, held his head above the rushing current and ran to the nearest spot with cell service to dial for help.
The Seward Fire Department dispatched and made their way toward Kell on the “extreme” terrain via ATVs. When they reached a point where their ATVs couldn’t go further, they flagged down a passing helicopter for help, which was already headed to the site.
They found Kell face down in the water. He was hypothermic and dipping in and out of consciousness, unable to speak.
It Takes a Team—‘and God’
Jo held Kell’s head up as six firemen pushed the boulder off Kell. After the boulder was removed, it took over an hour and a half to get Kell to the hospital.
“It took everybody and God to save him,” Jo said.
Several of the firefighter crew who helped save Kell were volunteers.
“I cannot believe he is as well as he is,” Fire Chief Clinton Crites said. “Every star was aligned. It was a beautiful, sunny day. We had tons of crews available. We had a private helicopter tour company that was willing to help us. We had a cell phone signal.”
After a two-night hospital stay, the 61-year-old says he feels well and is “ready to go dancing.” He is expected to make a full recovery.
Kell remarked that he’s survived even more dangerous circumstances in the past—God has never failed to look out for him!
WATCH: Retired Alaska State Trooper Helps Rescue Husband Pinned by 700-lb Boulder
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Originally published June 17, 2025.
