US teen influencer has been stranded in the Chilean Antarctic since landing without permission
Authorities say Guo landed his small plane illegally after providing false flight plan information to officials who opened an investigation.
Guo made headlines last year when the then-19-year-old teen began a trip in an attempt to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents and at the same time collect donations for research into childhood cancer.
As part of his trip, the teen who identifies as Asian American planned to go to the Antarctic, but according to the authorities he lied to officials by providing authorities with 'false flight plan data.' Prosecutors said he had been authorized to only fly over Punta Arenas, but that he kept going south, heading for Antarctica in his Cessna 182Q — a single-engine light aircraft known for its versatility.
Guo was charged on June 29 with handing false information to ground control and landing without authorization, but on Monday a judge dropped the charges as part of an agreement with his lawyers and Chile's prosecutors. It requires the teen to give a $30,000 donation to a children's cancer foundation within 30 days to avoid a trial. He must also leave the country as soon as conditions allow and is prohibited from reentering Chilean territory for three years.
On Monday, after the judge's ruling, Guo told The Associated Press in a text message that he was 'relieved by the outcome.'
For the past six weeks, since being charged, he has stayed at a military base. He was not forced to stay there, only to remain in Chilean territory, but because of the severe winter in that part of the southern hemisphere, there haven't been any available flights he could take. And he has been unable to fly his Cessna.
Chilean prosecutor Cristián Crisoto on Monday told reporters that Guo's plane 'does not have the capabilities to make a flight,' without providing details. But the American teen influencer said he is talking with this lawyer to see if there's a way he can fly it.
'I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight,' Guo told AP. 'I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission.'
The prosecutor's office said Guo must also pay all costs for his 'aircraft security and personal maintenance' during his stay at the military facility. He also needs to cover all expenses for his return.
___
Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Southwest cuts five direct flights out of St. Louis
ST. LOUIS – Southwest Airlines is cutting at least five direct flights out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport next year, FOX 2 has learned. Starting in March, Southwest Airlines will no longer operate direct flights from St. Louis out of the following destinations: Des Moines, Iowa Little Rock, Arkansas Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Tulsa, Oklahoma Wichita, Kansas Direct flights to those locations will instead be routed through other Southwest hubs, primarily Chicago's Midway Airport, according to a schedule recently released by the airline, FOX 2 has learned. Southwest reviews its route network annually and may adjust service based on demand and connectivity needs, according to past company reports. The upcoming changes intend to help support stronger north-south connectivity out of St. Louis. 'I actually still have goosebumps': Family of 3-year-old who died at daycare reacts to charges Following these changes, Lambert Airport will have 71 nonstop markets with Southwest operating service to 60 of those destinations. Southwest Airlines shared this statement with FOX 2 regarding the upcoming changes: 'Southwest is fully committed to the Gateway City and looks forward to serving our loyal Customers there for years to come.' A St. Louis Lambert International Airport spokesperson shared this statement with FOX 2: 'While we are disappointed in the loss of some of these flights, we are still grateful for the strong partnership we have with Southwest Airlines and with the service the airline provides for travelers in this region.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
7 hours ago
- CBS News
Charity golf game honors first responders who saved Sen. John Hoffman and wife
Minnesota's first responders got a boost at Majestic Oaks Golf Course in Ham Lake Friday. The second annual Guns and Hoses event is being held to raise money for police officers, firefighters and paramedics across the state, including those who responded to the shootings that wounded Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. "A lot of money we raise today will help grow those first responders to help create tomorrow's first responders," said Wes Pederson, Chair For Lino Lakes Volunteers of Public Safety. The Guns and Hoses golf event provides money for recruiting, while benefiting the Frontline Foundation. "The Frontline Foundation, what it does primarily, is provide immediate benefits to families who have lost a loved one in the line of service. Whether it be first responders, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, National Guard members," said Tim Flynn, Deputy Chief of St. Paul Police. Since it was formed in 2018, the foundation has raised more than $635,000 for first responders, money also used to buy new equipment. Friday's event had raffles and silent auctions, and 144 golfers on the course. One of the focuses of the fundraiser was to recognize the Champlin police department for its role in helping Hoffman and his family. Hoffman and his wife were shot inside their home on June 14, with law enforcement later arresting Vance Boelter, who now faces federal and state charges. Boelter is also charged with killing Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. The Hoffmans sent a message of thanks to Champlin Police for giving them crucial medical aid after the shooting. "This recognition should truly go out to them. They are aware of it. They are grateful for it. I'm grateful for all the recognition our community has gotten," said Chief Glen Schneider, Champlin Police. Champlin Police Chief Glen Schneider says the officers who responded weren't able to attend Friday's event, but they're happy to know the Hoffmans are recovering. "I'm in touch with Senator Hoffman and his family. They are doing well. They give us routine updates," said Chief Schneider. "They are very instrumental in our community. They are out in the community meeting their neighbors, those that are in the community center." Friday's event benefits first responders statewide, including families of some military members killed while on duty.
Washington Post
7 hours ago
- Washington Post
Explosion in high-crime area in northern Peru injures 10 people and damages 25 homes
LIMA, Peru — An explosion on a street in a northern Peruvian region plagued by organized crime injured at least 10 people and damaged 25 homes, authorities said Friday. Interior Minister Carlos Malaver said the Thursday night blast in the city of Trujillo could be related to disputes between criminal groups primarily involved in extortion, one of the crimes that has increased the most in Peru in recent years . The explosion, which also interrupted electric service in the area and affected an unknown number of vehicles, was the second explosion reported in the South American country Thursday. The first went off at a gym in the capital, Lima, but no injuries were immediately reported. Explosive attacks, especially on small businesses, are reported almost daily by local media in Lima and other Peruvian cities, including in the state of La Libertad, which encompasses Trujillo. Detonations inside public transportation buses, resulting in injuries, have also been reported. The government of La Libertad has previously acknowledged that crime sometimes overwhelms police. The state's emergency service agency in a statement Friday said some of the people injured in Thursday's blast suffered burns and cuts, but it did not detail their conditions further. Extortion complaints in Peru totaled 15,989 between January and July of this year, a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to official data. ____ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at
