How many times have you driven past an abandoned vehicle parked on the side of a country road, and had the urge to stop and investigate? Well, after hearing this remarkable tale of what happened after two high schoolers did just that, you may start making a habit of pulling over and checking for yourself.

Eighteen-year-old Joe Delvecchio and 15-year-old Alec Yanisko were enjoying a day of ATV-ing in their home of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, when they came across an abandoned SUV deep in a wooded area. The car, which was stuck on a log, was damaged, with two of its windows completely smashed.

The quick-thinking pair then reached inside the car and grabbed a Sam’s Club card that had been left inside. Suspecting that something had gone awry with the driver, the two Googled the name on the card – Edwin Kosik – and knew they immediately had to take action.

As it turns out, Kosik, a 92-year-old federal judge, had been missing for two days at that point. Due to the man’s age and stature, the story had been widely reported. When Joe and Alec realized that the elderly man was surely in trouble, they quickly went home and told their parents, who then got on the phone and called the police.

Once law enforcement showed up, the two high schoolers directed them to the man’s abandoned SUV and, from there, rescue dogs were able to safely locate the federal judge, who was found lying just 100 yards away.

Fortunately, Kosik was found alive, but relatively worse for wear. He was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in “fair” condition—pretty incredible considering the 92-year-old survived in the chilly temperatures for a full 48 hours!

This particular situation was an especially important one for the U.S. marshal assigned to the case, Martin Pane, because he is actually a friend of the federal judge. And though it was revealed that Kosik had been diagnosed with memory loss, he was still able to recognize Pane, even pointing out during the rescue that the U.S. marshal had recently gotten a haircut!

As expected, both Joe and Alec have been labeled “heroes” in their hometown of Dunmore, with law enforcement and citizens alike crediting the two teens for saving the man’s life.

Joe says that the he and Alec are just “happy he is alright,” and even adds that they would like to meet the judge sometime in the future. We think a special get-together should be in order, too! We bet Kosik has some kind words to share with the teens.

To get the full story for yourself, be sure to click on the video below. It’s always gratifying to see that even the most harrowing situations can have happy endings!

What do you think of Joe and Alec’s actions? Have you or a loved one ever been lost in the woods? If so, how did you manage to get help? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!