An Anchorage woman is giving thanks for being alive this year and showcased her gratitude to those who saved her life after a vicious bear attack during the Summer.
ANCHORAGE , Alaska - An Anchorage woman is giving thanks for being alive this year and showcased her gratitude to those who saved her life after a vicious bear attack during the summer.“I didn’t know I was bleeding as much as I was,” Lytle said.
“At that point I wasn’t sure what was going on.” The bear mauled Lytle, leaving her bleeding out on the trail with multiple injuries that would take months to heal. “There were a hundred staples in my head. She chewed on my head,” Lytle said. “This arm was chewed up…There’s probably some nerve damage.” Despite the nature of her wounds, Lytle is in good spirits for the holiday season, calling the injuries to her arms her “coffee drinking problem.” Among the wounds to her upper torso and arms, Lytle’s back and thighs received deep wounds as well, and deep cuts to her jugular and back.“I didn’t expect a huge group like this,” Lytle said. “It’s a little overwhelming. I kind of have to remember everybody’s name and say thank you.”“On July 22, 2025, firefighters Sean McMillan and Stefan Isaly-Johns performed an act of conspicuous heroism,” Fire Chief Doug Schrage said. “Their actions were not only medically decisive, but also deeply courageous, performed under extreme hazards and without regard for their own safety.”“Within the first several minutes, it was determined that it was going to be a severe situation,” firefighter Stefan Isaly-Johns said. “My mindset switched at that point.” “There’s sort of like this fog that occurs until we sort out exactly where people are at and what the exact situation is,” firefighter Sean McMillan said. “You lock in, and you start assessing what’s going on, and you just sort of try to make a plan.” With such a large operation, the two men took the opportunity to shout out their colleagues also on the scene that day. “I am one part of a big group of people that was instrumental in getting her found and off the hill,” McMillan said. “Here within the Anchorage Fire Department every single day, my colleagues are doing phenomenal, you know, amazing things and making a difference.” Stefan Isaly-Johns said.“I remember thinking, I’m really proud to be in the town and live in Anchorage,” Lytle concluded. “I mean, they’re all wonderful people.”Driver dies after being pinned in Richardson Highway crash, troopers sayAnchorage Fire Department gives tips to stay fire safe during the holiday season
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