Transcending Tragedy in the Wilderness with Emily Henkel

What happens when the worst-case scenario unfolds in slow motion in the desolate wilderness of America's National Parks? How do you return to the places that have brought so much joy and so much pain after tragedy strikes? On April 3, 2021, Emily and her partner, Alexander Lofgren, traveled to Death Valley National Park on a routine camping trip. The next day began the biggest nightmare of their lives - Alex fell from a 70’ cliff and succumbed to his injuries a half hour later. Emily suffered severe injuries while down-climbing the cliff to his aide, but was able to comfort him as he took his final breaths. Unfortunately, this would be the first of six days she had to survive alone, next to the love of her life, on this desolate cliffside until she was found and rescued. Later in 2021, the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks act was passed, and now, thanks to the legislation Alex was working on before his passing, Veterans and Gold Star families have access to the National Parks for life. In this episode, we'll hear about the accident, the physical and emotional recovery Emily has endured since, the vision she has for keeping Alex's legacy alive, how she found the strength and courage to return to the scene of the accident, and her intentions for utilizing the healing power of nature as she continues her recovery.