Is Ethan Guo Alive? Teen Influencer's 'Solo Flight to Raise Cancer Funds' Halted After Landing in Antarctica

Nineteen-year-old pilot and social media personality Ethan Guo is currently detained in Antarctica following an unauthorised landing on King George Island, disrupting his high-profile attempt to become the youngest aviator to fly solo across all seven continents. The mission, launched to raise substantial funds for childhood cancer research, has been halted amid legal and environmental complications.

A Mission with Noble Intentions

Guo embarked on the ambitious challenge in May 2024, departing from Memphis, Tennessee, in a single-engine Cessna 182Q. His goal was to set a world record as the youngest solo pilot to reach all seven continents and to raise US$1 million (approximately £790,000) for paediatric cancer research, inspired by his cousin's battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The teenager had documented his journey to over one million Instagram followers and had successfully visited nearly 60 countries before approaching South America. At the time of his last reported update, Guo had raised more than $105,000, which is just over 10 per cent of his target.

Unauthorised Landing in Antarctica

On 28 June, Guo filed a flight plan to fly over Punta Arenas, Chile, but diverted from the authorised route and landed at Chile's Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base on King George Island, Antarctica. Chilean authorities confirmed that the unauthorised landing breached international aviation protocols.

Cristian Crisosto Rifo, a regional prosecutor, stated Guo had 'intentionally failed' to notify aviation authorities and submitted false flight details. He has been charged with endangering air traffic and violating both Chilean aeronautical regulations and Antarctic treaties.

Detention and Ongoing Investigation

Guo remains detained at the Chilean research base, with poor weather conditions continuing to prevent his transfer to the mainland. While he has not yet provided a full statement, his brief online message has reassured followers that he is safe and under the supervision of Chilean authorities. Authorities have confirmed a 90-day investigation is now underway. During this period, Guo is required to remain within Chilean jurisdiction, though no decision has yet been made regarding trial, deportation, or release.

His lawyer, Karina Ulloa, has told CNN that mid-flight 'complications' led Guo to perform an unplanned exploratory manoeuvre, rather than any deliberate attempt to violate international law. The nature of these complications, whether mechanical, navigational or weather-related, has not been clarified.

Legal and Logistical Hurdles

Guo's detention in Chilean Antarctic territory means he is safe but immobilised until weather permits flights off the island. Legal proceedings will determine whether charges proceed or if a plea deal or fines are issued. Even if charges are dropped or downgraded, Guo's mission may not resume. Antarctic weather patterns are notoriously unpredictable, and Guo's ability to resecure entry permits, flight clearances, and sponsorships could be seriously undermined by the incident.

Ethan Guo's solo flight campaign was built on hope, adventure and a noble cause that now rests on the outcome of a Chilean investigation and the complexities of Antarctic aviation rules. With his detention still ongoing and narrow weather windows, the question is no longer whether he completes the seven‑continent challenge but whether he can preserve both his mission's credibility and legal standing. How this saga concludes will test the resilience not only of his plans but of his public support.