Honoring a Resilient Spirit and Rallying Around a Beloved Voice in the Outdoor Community
With a heavy heart, we share the news of a serious injury sustained by Tyler Freel, senior staff writer at Outdoor Life, during a backcountry hunt in Idaho on October 31, 2025. Tyler, a proud Alaskan who studied mechanical engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and graduated from North Pole High School, is known not only for his deep knowledge of hunting and wilderness survival, but for his authenticity, grit, and storytelling that resonates with readers across the country.
After successfully harvesting a mule deer buck, Tyler was thrown from his horse, suffering multiple traumatic injuries including a broken collarbone, scapula, and ribs, a ruptured spleen, and a partially collapsed lung. He was medevaced to a trauma center in Boise, where he underwent emergency surgery and continues to recover. His journey ahead will be long and challenging, but if anyone is built for this kind of fight, it’s Tyler. Tyler’s wife, Faith, has been by his side, navigating the complexities of care, family, and logistics with grace and strength. Her updates have been a source of comfort and clarity for the many friends, fans, and colleagues who hold Tyler close in their hearts. From chest tubes to rib plating and even a partial lung resection, Tyler has endured more than most could imagine—and yet, his spirit remains unbroken.
The outpouring of support from the outdoor industry and Tyler’s loyal readership has been overwhelming. Messages of encouragement, prayers, and contributions to his GoFundMe have lifted the family during this difficult time. Tyler’s passion for the outdoors and his commitment to sharing that world with others is unmatched. Even from his hospital bed, he was trying to edit videos—until Faith lovingly convinced him to rest.
To Tyler, Faith, and their children: we stand with you. We honor your courage, your vulnerability, and your unwavering faith. Tyler’s voice has shaped the way we understand the wilderness, and now it’s our turn to echo back the strength he’s always shown us.
With heartfelt support and enduring respect,
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