A worker at a ski resort in Michigan played a key role in helping a boyfriend recover an engagement ring that fell from a scenic 118-foot suspension bridge during a proposal. The boyfriend, Trevor VanCamp, has a pronounced fear of heights but decided to propose to his long-term girlfriend, Danielle Jenkins, after she showed him various TikTok videos featuring illuminated suspension bridges.
Thinking the ski bridge at Boyne Mountain Resort would be the perfect setting, VanCamp planned a surprise trip. They hiked to a wooden bridge nestled between mountain peaks, which was quite the challenge for him, as getting down on one knee wasn’t as easy as he had anticipated. He felt nervous and somewhat upset, struggling with his fear of heights. But, as he put it, “that moment was just for her,” which is why he pushed through.
Unfortunately, as he was about to propose, the engagement ring slipped from his hand and dropped 118 feet into the snow below. He watched in horror, but Jenkins managed to laugh, making light of the situation.
“We had a moment of panic, and then we looked at each other and said, ‘We have to find it,’” VanCamp recalled.
Staff at Boyne Mountain Resort quickly offered assistance, giving the couple the green light to search the area. Pat Harper, the overnight snow removal supervisor, initially provided a metal detector, but he and two colleagues soon joined the couple in the snow to help locate the lost ring.
“They assured me they would find my ring. There was no doubt in my mind,” Jenkins commented in a video.
After about 20 to 30 minutes of searching, Harper and his team stumbled upon the right spot when the metal detector started beeping near two footprints. He later expressed disbelief that he actually found it.
Diving into the snow, he uncovered the shiny ring. Meanwhile, VanCamp and Jenkins had nearly decided to give up and buy a replacement at Kay Jewelers when Harper unexpectedly approached, ring in hand.
“We arrived at the resort, and Trevor finally got to place the ring on my finger. A huge thank you to Pat for saving the day,” Jenkins said.
The couple now plans to revisit the resort to complete their journey across the iconic Skybridge and share their engagement story with family and friends.
