PORTAGE, Mich. - A West Michigan couple that had been reported missing by family and friends have been located in Mesquite, Nevada this morning. The Inyo County Sheriff's Department in California say the couple called after not contacting family for several days.
"It was awful. Me and my sister, for 24 hours straight have been bawling because it's so scary. You see this stuff on TV all the time and to ever feel this is like unreal. It's the most unimaginable feeling ever," said Gwen Dunning, the couples daughter.
Brian and Dawn Weaver were on vacation for their 30th wedding anniversary and were last heard from on August 9. They were last known to be in the Lake Tahoe and told family by phone they were heading to Death Valley.
"You try and stay positive and optimistic, but unfortunately those horrible thoughts come in and oh my god what if," Dunning said.
Family posted on Facebook that they did receive a voicemail from Dawn on August 11 with her crying, saying "I'm scared".
"It's very strange to not hear from them at all and the voicemail made it even worse," Dunning said.
The Inyo County Sheriff's Department had issued a "be on the lookout notice" in that area.
One family member tells FOX 17 that wildfires in remote areas out west may have impacted the Weaver's travel and led to the reason why they hadn't been able to call.
Gwen tells us the frantic tone and content in the voicemail was due to the wildfires and that she's thankful her parents are safe.
"This is going to be the crazy Christmas story, you know, the one you laugh about. I'm glad it turned out that way though," Dunning said.
