Rescuers tell ‘miraculous’ story of Colorado mom rescued after crash
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A woman who survived for days after crashing off a Colorado highway faces a long recovery, but those who rescued her say it’s a miracle she even survived the horrific accident.
Kristin Hopkins’ flipped car was discovered Sunday by a husband and wife driving on U.S. Highway 285. They stopped after noticing some glare and notified authorities, never expecting the car’s passenger to still be alive.
“I never expected to find what I found,” Andy Lombard told NBC. “I wish I could have found her sooner.”
Lombard and his wife clambered down into the crash site and saw Hopkins, whom they presumed was dead. She had written a note on an umbrella: “Thirsty + hungry. Six days no food or water. Please help. Can’t get doors open. Need doctor. Hurt and bleeding.”
Firefighters arrived and got Hopkins out of the car and to the hospital. She was in critical condition Wednesday, her 44th birthday, after doctors were forced to remove both of her feet.
Investigators say Hopkins crashed sometime after she left work on April 27, the last time the single mother of four was seen before she was rescued.
Her parents and doctors were scheduled to talk about her recovery Wednesday, but St. Anthony’s Hospital in suburban Denver canceled the press conference, saying the family wasn’t ready to talk.
Stephanie Grimes contributed to this report.
