Johnson was born in Annapolis, Maryland and as the daughter of a Navy Officer travelled significantly in her early years.

[3][4] After graduating from college her first job was making parkas in Sun Valley, Idaho later doing cross country ski instructing.

She was the leader of a six-member female team who parachuted into the New Guinean highlands and climbed back out, filmed by Hoover.

[8] After taking off again, the helicopter developed engine trouble and crashed in Thorpe Creek Canyon, around five miles south of Lamoille.

[7] Hoover later sued the helicopter manufacturer and reached an out-of-court settlement due to a fault with the engine design relating to snow ingestion.