Montana trio survives Nepal earthquake

A Montana woman in Nepal during the earthquake with two other people from the Treasure State called her mother in Choteau early Saturday to tell her that they had survived and to let "everyone know we are OK."

Sarah Sentz, 29, a registered nurse formerly of Great Falls and Ryan Edwards of Helena and Jennifer Thompson, a Helena artist, are on a trek in Nepal, Sarah's mom, Linda, told the Great Falls Tribune on Saturday.

Linda Sentz said Sarah called from a satellite phone that was low on power and said there was a big earthquake in Nepal and wanted to let them know she and her friends were safe.

The 7.8-magnitude quake hit Saturday, killing more than 1,400 people and destroying buildings.

In a Facebook posting, Linda Sentz writes: "... it sure looks like they were right in the epicenter of the major ... quake. And, Sarah called this morning to let us know that they are 'ok.' They already went over Larkya Pass, 16,700 ft and they will be making their way back to Kathmandu. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. linda and gene"

Linda Sentz said Sarah's call came before the family knew that the earthquake had struck.

She said she told her daughter "I love you" and Sarah's father, Gene, said the same thing.

Linda Sentz said Edwards is a ranger at Two Medicine. She said Sarah is a registered nurse, had lived in Great Falls and recently left Benefis to "go on a grand journey."

She said with Sarah's experience as a nurse, Edwards' training as a paramedic and Thompson's backcountry wilderness experience, they may be in a position to help others.

"They are competent and are in good physical condition and will manage the best they can," Linda Sentz said.

The three have been in Nepal since late March, Linda Sentz said. She said she has called the families of Edwards and Thompson to let them know they are OK.

The Sentz family has emotional ties to Nepal.

"Her father and I met 39 years in the same area they are trekking," she said, adding she believed some of the family stories may have inspired her daughter to visit the country.

Gene Sentz served in Nepal with the Peace Corps 50 years ago.

"We have a lot of love for the country," Linda Sentz said. "They are a gentle, kind people. Keep everybody in Nepal in your prayers."

Staff Writer Kristen Inbody contributed to this story.