UPDATE
Sep 8, 2025 12:00 AM CDT
An American social media influencer who was stuck in a Chilean airbase in Antarctica for two months, and initially charged for submitting a false flight plan, on Saturday returned to the mainland, the AP reports. Ethan Guo, who was 19 years old when he began his fundraising mission for cancer research, turned 20 in July while he lived in the base with limited communications and freezing Antarctic winter temperatures plunging below zero. He arrived Saturday at Punta Arenas aboard a navy ship wearing a Chilean national soccer team jersey and appeared friendly with the press after disembarking, describing his detention as a "mundane" experience with "limited freedoms." "The Chilean people have been incredibly hospitable, they've been fantastic people. They've taken care of me. They've taught me Spanish, and they've treated me like family," he said.
Aug 12, 2025 10:00 AM CDT
What was intended as a fundraising mission for cancer research has become a nightmare for American teen influencer Ethan Guo, who has been stuck since June in a remote location in Chilean territory in Antarctica. 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 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, reports the AP.
As part of his trip, the teen planned to go to the Antarctic, but according to the authorities he provided "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.
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On Monday, Guo said he was "relieved by the outcome." Since being charged, he has been unable to fly his Cessna. Chilean prosecutor Cristian Crisosto on Monday told reporters that Guo's plane "does not have the capabilities to make a flight," without providing details. But the teen influencer said he's 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 the 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.
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