Society of the Snow True Story: Survivors and Facts

Passengers on board: 45  |  Survivors after 72 days: 16  |  Date of crash: October 13, 1972  |  Altitude of crash site: 11,500 ft (3,500 m)  |  Film release year: 2023  |  Netflix release date: January 4, 2024

Is Society of the Snow a Real Story?

Yes—Society of the Snow is based on the true story of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes on October 13, 1972. The film, directed by J.A. Bayona and adapted from Pablo Vierci’s book of the same name, depicts how 16 survivors endured 72 days on a remote glacier. They resorted to eating the flesh of the deceased to stay alive, a fact confirmed by multiple survivors and documented by Vanity Fair.

How accurate is the film Society of the Snow?

The film is shaped directly by the survivors still alive during production, according to Netflix Tudum. Survivors Roberto Canessa and Gustavo Zerbino publicly said Bayona captured the story in a fresh and inspiring way, per Wikipedia. The film emphasizes the human story rather than a simple disaster retelling.

How Many of the Society of the Snow Are Still Alive?

Of the 16 survivors rescued on December 22-23, 1972, as of 2023, 12 remain alive. The crash itself involved 45 people—members of Uruguay’s Old Christians Club rugby team and their relatives—with 29 surviving the initial impact, per TIME.

Where are the ‘Society of the Snow’ survivors now?

Most survivors still live in Uruguay. Some, like Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa, became public speakers; Parrado wrote a memoir, Miracle in the Andes. Others remained private. The group has maintained a close bond over the decades, reuniting for anniversaries and the film’s premiere.

Are any of the Andes survivors still alive?

Yes. As of 2024, 12 survivors are still alive. The oldest survivor, Javier Methol, died in 2019. Survivor Roberto Canessa is a prominent cardiologist in Uruguay; Nando Parrado runs a motivational speaking business.

What Happened to the Real Survivors of Society of the Snow?

After rescue, survivors went on to have families, careers, and in some cases, public lives. Several faced long-term health issues from malnutrition and frostbite. The group’s bond remains strong.

What did the survivors do after rescue?

• Nando Parrado became a businessman and motivational speaker.
• Roberto Canessa became a pediatric cardiologist and politician.
• Gustavo Zerbino became a businessman and public speaker.
• Many survivors wrote books or participated in documentaries, including the companion doc Society of the Snow: Who Were We on the Mountain?.

The implication: survival shaped entire lifetimes, not just the 72 days on the mountain.

What Happened to Numa Turcatti in Real Life?

Numa Turcatti, a 24-year-old law student, was a passenger on the flight. He died on day 60 from an infection caused by a leg wound and starvation, per TIME. His death was a turning point that motivated the remaining survivors to take action—sending Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa on their 10-day trek for help.

What was Numa Turcatti’s role in the crash?

Turcatti was not a rugby player but a friend of the team. He is a central figure in the film’s narrative, representing the moral struggle over cannibalism. His real-life refusal to eat human flesh is dramatized in the film.

Is the Andes Plane Wreckage Still There?

Yes—the wreckage of Flight 571 remains at the crash site in the Andes, serving as a memorial. The site is not easily accessible; only mountaineers or authorized expeditions visit it.

How long did Nando and Roberto walk?

Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa walked for 10 days through the Andes to reach help, covering approximately 38 miles—an act that led to their rescue. Their trek is detailed in Society of the Snow.

Why did Seat 11A survive?

Seat 11A was positioned in a protective area of the fuselage, which absorbed impact forces. Some accounts, including survivor testimony, suggest that passengers in certain seats had higher survival odds due to the crash dynamics. However, exact details are disputed among researchers.

Were any bodies found from flight 592?

That reference appears to be a confusion with another flight (ValuJet Flight 592). For Flight 571, bodies of the deceased were left at the crash site due to the remote location, though some were later recovered by authorities in 1973 for burial.

Related reading: **Boyz n the Hood: True Story, Controversy & Legacy**

For a comprehensive breakdown of the real events and the film’s accuracy, check out the full guide to the true story.

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