The Hawaii yoga instructor who spent 16 days trapped in a forest before being rescued was released from a Maui hospital on Sunday.
Amanda Eller is home after being treated at the Maui Memorial Medical Center for injuries to her leg and ankles.
“We are thrilled to report the great news that Amanda Eller was able to leave the hospital on her own accord to continue her rehab and recovery with family and loved ones,” Michael Rembis of Maui Health System said in a statement. “The staff and physicians at Maui Memorial Medical Center involved in her treatment and care are rejoicing at the miraculous news of her great outcome.”
Eller, 35, was found on Friday after being missing for more than two weeks in the Makawao Forest Reserve. She was last seen early on May 8.
She was rescued by searchers Troy Helmer, Javier Cantellops, and Chris Berquist and was airlifted to safety. She had gotten lost and stuck, and minor injuries had prevented her from finding help.
“The last 17 days … have been the toughest days of my life,” she said in a recorded video after her rescue. “It’s been a really significant spiritual journey that I was guided on. … I wasn’t going to take the easy way out, even though that meant more suffering and pain for myself. This is just like a tiny little book of my story.”
Now it’s time to recover … and celebrate. The countless people who helped in the exhaustive search and rescue operation have been invited to a party in Maui on Monday.
“To all the volunteers, ground searchers, rappelers, free divers, financial donators, provision donators, support staff, press, Maui PD, Fire & Rescue, Search & Rescue, DLNR, surveillance contributors, technology partners, drone pilots, helicopter pilots, search dog teams, and anyone else who made a direct contribution to the incredible community-wide rescue of Amanda Eller, WE WANT YOU,” an invitation on the “Find Amanda” Facebook page read.
The special party will be held at the Surf Club in Paia from 3 to 8 p.m.
