DENVER (AP) - The Colorado pastor and his family who were rescued after crashing their kayaks into boulders along a Utah river and spending two days in a steep canyon have been identified.
Jay Vonesh, his wife, Julie, their two teenage daughters and the family dog were rescued from the Escalante River on Sunday. A Department of Public Safety helicopter searching for another missing kayaker had spotted the family desperately waving their arms.
Authorities say the family from Bailey, Colorado, was able to scoop up their food and gear after crashing and managed to make it onto the banks of the river.
They ate food retrieved from their overturned boats.
As their options ran out, Vonesh says the family prayed to God for help. He says the helicopter flew over about two minutes later.
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