Tourist Vanished in Alaska — Five Days Later She Was Found and Told a Horrifying Story

The Dream Adventure That Became a Nightmare

In February 2015, 29-year-old Emily Warner from California set out for what she hoped would be the trip of a lifetime: a winter trek through the wilds of Denali National Park, Alaska. Emily, an environmental scientist and passionate traveler, had always dreamed of exploring the snowy wilderness, photographing glaciers, and experiencing the raw beauty of the north.

But five days after she set off, rangers found her barely alive—naked, tied to a tree in one of the most remote corners of the park, suffering from frostbite, trauma, and memories of a horror she never imagined.

A Trust Betrayed

Emily had planned to join an organized trekking group, but when it was cancelled last minute, she decided to go alone. At her hostel in Anchorage, she met a man named Brandon Killigan, who claimed to be a seasoned Alaskan outdoorsman. He seemed friendly, knowledgeable, and offered to take her on a five-day hike through the untouched wilds west of Denali.

Emily had doubts, but Brandon’s confidence and stories won her over. She left her itinerary at the hostel and set out with him on February 10th, driving north in his old Ford Bronco, then heading into the woods by foot.

The first two days were uneventful—hiking, camping, sharing stories by the fire. But on the third day, Brandon’s demeanor changed. He became cold, controlling, and hostile. Emily felt the shift but was already miles from civilization.

The Attack

On the evening of the third day, Brandon attacked. He tied Emily up, beat her, and raped her, threatening to kill her if she told anyone. He left her tied up in the freezing cold, barely sheltered by a sleeping bag.

The next day, he forced her to hike further, then at night, tied her naked to a tree, took all her clothes and gear, and left her to die in -22°C temperatures. Emily fought to stay conscious, but hypothermia set in as she drifted in and out of awareness, praying for rescue or a quick end to her suffering.

Miracle Rescue

On the fifth day, a ranger patrol happened to pass through the area. They spotted Emily—blue-skinned, barely breathing, tied to a tree. They cut her loose, wrapped her in warm clothes, and called for a medevac helicopter. Emily was rushed to Anchorage, where she spent weeks recovering from frostbite, dehydration, and trauma. She lost several fingers and toes to amputation, but she survived.

The Manhunt

Emily told police everything: Brandon’s real name, the route, the attack. Investigators soon discovered that “Brandon Killigan” was actually Greg Thomas Martin, wanted in Washington State for sexual assault and attempted murder. He had been living in Alaska under a false identity.

A statewide manhunt began. Martin’s photo was broadcast everywhere, but he vanished. Weeks later, a hunter found his body on the Alaska-Canada border. He had died of hypothermia, lost in the wilderness—ironically, claimed by the same cold he had tried to use as a weapon against Emily.

Aftermath and Survival

Emily spent months in recovery, both physically and emotionally. She suffered PTSD, nightmares, and panic attacks, but gradually rebuilt her life with the help of family, therapists, and support groups. She never returned to Alaska, but she became a volunteer helping other survivors of violence.

Her story made headlines nationwide—a warning to travelers about the dangers not just of nature, but of misplaced trust. Emily later gave one interview, urging women to never go into remote places with strangers, no matter how experienced or friendly they seem. “Trust must be earned,” she said. “I survived by pure chance. If the rangers hadn’t found me, I wouldn’t be here.”

A Survivor’s Message

Emily Warner’s ordeal is a chilling reminder: in the wild, danger can come from people as much as from nature. Her strength and resilience helped her survive unimaginable horror, and her story now helps others stay vigilant and safe.

Her nightmare became a lesson, her survival a testament. In the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, the greatest danger may be the person you trust most.

From UNKNOWN Files — Alaska Travel. Let Emily’s story be your warning: Adventure is beautiful, but caution saves lives.