MrBallen Podcast: Closer to God – A Detailed Summary

Episode Information:

• Title: Closer to God
• Podcast: MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
• Host: Ballen Studios
• Release Date: May 22, 2025

Introduction

In this heart-wrenching episode of the MrBallen Podcast, Ballen Studios delves into the tragic story of Mike Turner, a dedicated reverend and passionate hiker whose solo adventure in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness took a devastating turn. The host, Mr. Ballin, sets a somber tone from the outset, expressing deep personal distress over recounting Mike's ordeal.

Mr. Ballin [00:00]: "Consider this your warning that I personally believe this is a very upsetting story, but an important story that we would not be covering if there wasn't some real weight behind it."

Mike Turner's Background and Preparation

Mike Turner, a 48-year-old reverend from Idaho, embarked on a nine-day solo hike through the rugged Fitzpatrick Wilderness in Wyoming. Known for its breathtaking and untouched landscapes, the Fitzpatrick Wilderness posed significant challenges even for seasoned adventurers like Mike. Despite his vocation, Mike found solace and a deeper connection to his faith amidst nature's extremes.

Mr. Ballin [03:03]: "Mike loved being a reverend. He loved his congregation and, you know, his wife Diane and his three kids."

Mike meticulously planned his 60-mile journey, mapping out an off-trail route and preparing for contingencies. He entrusted his wife, Diane, with the plan, ensuring she knew his expected whereabouts and timelines.

The Fateful Day: Departure and Deviation

On August 2, 1998, during the fourth day of his hike, Mike encountered unforeseen challenges. Accompanied by his loyal dog, Andy, they faced harsh icy conditions that strained Andy's endurance. Observing his dog's distress, Mike made the crucial decision to deviate from his planned route to preserve Andy's well-being.

Mr. Ballin [03:03]: "Mike had noticed Andy was whimpering and struggling to keep up... he decided to side skirt the mountains to avoid the ice."

This alteration, while necessary, meant that Mike was no longer on the pre-mapped path, severing any communication with his family due to the primitive cell technology of the time.

The Tragedy Unfolds: Andy's Disappearance and Mike's Predicament

As Mike and Andy navigated the treacherous terrain, Andy suddenly bolted towards a nearby lake, leaving Mike momentarily alone. In his rush to assist his pet, Mike stumbled into a precarious boulder field, resulting in him being trapped between two massive rocks.

Mr. Ballin [12:18]: "The mental torture this man went through is just out of this world."

Despite his expertise and preparation, Mike found himself immobilized, unable to move the boulders and cut off from essential resources. Over the ensuing days, his journal entries reveal a descent from unwavering faith to desperation and despair.

Journal Entries: A Glimpse into Mike's Struggle

Mike's journals, meticulously kept, chronicle his psychological and physical decline. Initially filled with faith and hope, his writings become increasingly somber as days pass without rescue.

• Day 1: Expresses unwavering faith.

  "I am in your hands, Lord... my faith is in you." [Approx. 12:18]

• Day 2: Begins to recognize the severity of his situation.

  "I wonder what's going to happen when I run out of water."

• Days 3-5: Shift towards regret and anger.

  "I regret my decision to take the long route. Why aren't you here, God?"

• Final Days: Acceptance and readiness to face the end.

  "I'm ready to die, though I'm missing my family."

Search Efforts and Discovery

Mike's absence triggered alarm when he didn't arrive at the designated meeting spot on the ninth day. Diane, following her agreement, eventually reported him missing, leading to an extensive and ultimately unsuccessful search operation lasting two weeks.

Five days post-search, Andy the dog was found severely malnourished by backpackers, prompting a renewed search effort using Andy as a guide. However, it wasn't until another hiker, Brian, stumbled upon Mike's lifeless body that the full tragedy was uncovered.

Mr. Ballin [26:45]: "Mike took off his wedding band and placed it on the rock next to him because he knew once he died and decomposed, the ring would fall off his bones and be lost in the rocks below."

Conclusion: A Family's Heartache

The episode culminates with the bittersweet discovery of Andy and the tragic realization of Mike's fate. Diane's receipt of a bouquet of flowers with a heartfelt note from Mike adds a poignant final touch to the story.

Mike's Note: "Thank you for letting me live this adventure. Know that wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, I'm thinking of you."

This narrative serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of treasuring loved ones.

Reflections and Moral

Mr. Ballin emphasizes the moral of Mike's story:

Mr. Ballin [00:00]: "You really need to treasure your family while they're still around."

This episode not only recounts a tragic tale but also explores themes of faith, resilience, and the profound bonds between humans and their pets.

Additional Content Skipped

The transcript included various advertisements and promotional segments, which were intentionally excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core narrative.

Final Thoughts

"Closer to God" is a deeply moving episode that encapsulates the fragility of life and the enduring human spirit. Through meticulous storytelling and emotional depth, MrBallen delivers a narrative that resonates long after the final word.