The San Gabriel Mountains: 3 Incredible Stories of Survival - Altadena, CA Patch

The San Gabriel Mountains: 3 Incredible Stories of Survival - Altadena, CA Patch: The fragile human body may be a sheer contrast to the rugged landscape of the San Gabriel Mountains, and when the two collide with each other the consequences aren’t always pleasant. However, amongst tales of tragedy are some accounts that stand as testaments to the human spirit of determination.

Three such tales, one of an 11-year-old plane crash survivor, a snowboarder lost for days and a teacher fighting to survive, are shining examples of such human strengths.

A Father’s Lessons

It was 1979 when a famished 11-year-old boy found his way out of the mountains as the lone survivor of single engine Cessna crash that claimed two lives upon impact—his father Norman Ollestad Sr.’s and the pilot, Bob Arnold of Mar Vista. A third passenger, Sandra Cressman his father's girlfreind, died later from injuries attained while she tried to make it off the mountain.

Covered with cuts, bruises and with a broken hand, Noreman Ollestad Jr. of Malibu made his way through the snow covered mountain peaks of the San Gabriels.

The boy managed to find his way down the mountain to a creek and followed the water until he reached a house and called for help, according to a 1979 article in the St. Petersburg Times. Ollestad Jr. told news reporters (SEE ATTACHED VIDEO) that he lived through the ordeal because his father taught him to “never give up.”