Her 'Vanlife Dream' turned into a LIVING (and deadly) NIGHTMARE...

The disappearance and death of Esther Dingley.

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[KyleHatesHiking]

I'm seeing SO MANY nice comments directed towards Dan Colegate, and I just wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate this. I have the best subscribers on YouTube...the compassion, respect, and love that you all show towards the people in my stories is proof of this. I'm beyond grateful.

[hannahp]

He walked 700 miles in a month looking for her, and he found her. That truly is a testament to his love for her. I hope he finds peace.

[LookAtTheTrees]

You found her Dan and that speaks volumes of your character and your bond with your partner

[jillwklausen]

My stepbrother was an extreme athlete. He could hike, climb, rappel or ski any mountain. He was one of those guys who got dropped off on the back faces of mountains by helicopter to ski down the pristine powder.

And then, while on a casual hike with his family to the top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, his foot slipped on loose rocks, he lost his balance and fell 1, 000 feet down the sheer rock face to his death.

Accidents can happen to anyone, even the most highly skilled.

My deepest condolences to Dan and to all of Esther's family and friends. Sadly, I know just how they feel. 😢 May she rest in peace.

[highdesertforester]

I'm a highly skilled hiker with decades of experience yet I fell and broke my leg and had to be airlifted out of the wilderness. It made me more humble.

[Travelin_Man]

One thing I also conclude from this story -- besides the fact that Dan is an incredible man, devoted to his love -- is that finding someone who has lost their life in a wilderness area like this is very difficult. As a long time backpacker myself, I actually am surprised when remains *are* found. There is just so much land to search, with so much topography, so many nooks and crannies, water features and drops. Everyone concluded that this search was so thorough she just couldn't have been missed. But she was. At least until her amazing, devoted partner found her through sheer strength of will. What a sad and lonely search that must have been, with only his thoughts and memories of his beloved to keep him company.

Rest in Peace.

[ChristineHK]

That poor man suffering with the loss of his love and then scummy media twisting things to cast a shadow on him. I pray he finds solace in that his family and friends.

[sharonletts]

Shame on the media for sensationalizing this tragedy.
Blessings on his heart and her soul.

[marilynwinters]

Dan Colgate truly loved Esther Dingley and would not rest until he learned the truth for himself. Rest in peace Esther, and you as well Dan, you brought closure for her family, and everyone else that loved her. Dan was truly her knight in shining armor until her unfortunate end.

[india]

My dear friend Stella died 7 years ago. She was walking along a mountain path in Switzerland. It was near her home and she and her husband walked along it often. It had been snowing. He walked along this very short section first. She followed him and made one small misstep. The result was horrific.

[LadyVesuvius]

When you said Dan walked 700 miles in 1 month just looking for Esther, I knew then what a dedicated partner he was to her and how much he must have loved her.

[timhouston]

Dan was an all-round legend. The way he didn't give up on Esther was awe-inspiring. I hope he finds some peace, he's earned it.

[AbbyD_TN]

Dan, so sorry for your loss. There is a little comfort in knowing she died doing what she loved, but she died way too young.

[erictaylor]

No one who is an experienced hiker can rule out a random accident. A branch falling off a tree, a a land slide can catch you out and end you so quickly you don't even have time to say "oh-".

[TapIntoAlignment]

If we could all have a Dan in our life. This world would be a much better place. 💗

[pinkdarkman]

Recently there was a story in the news about a man in his 20s who finished a half marathon in 2 hours, which is a great time and he was an experienced runner, who immediately had a heart attack and died at the finish line. He had a heart condition that he never knew about until it killed him. This was at the Disney half marathon in California this year if you want to look it up. The world is full of random chance. We could all just randomly die at any second, no matter how much we train and prepare. I hope Esther didn't have to suffer for too long after her fall, and I hope Dan finds peace.

[hughanquetil]

That poor guy! But you can tell his strength of character because he never stopped looking for her, walking hundreds and hundreds of miles through those mountains, until he found her.

[derekwalters]

Honestly, Dan and Esther's life together is truly a real life story of love. Despite what was being said about him, Dan never gave up finding Esther. Even though the ending was a sad one, Dan did bring her back home, he didn't leave the woman he loved in a remote icy grave where no loved one's could visit her and grieve. What gratitude her family must have for Dan for bringing her back, and such a long journey to find her. I hope Esther is looking down on Dan, being his angel, and appreciate his love for her. So impressive!!

[jackiemontogmery]

I'm not a hiker. I'm 74yrs old. New to your channel . I truly don't understand why people continue to hike solo! Also with out a satellite phone out some way to call for help. I makes me sad that all if these amazing people have died. Grammy from Texas

[gregcho]

Your determination to find the truth of your loved one speaks volumes of how much you cared, so sorry for your loss