In Indiana, Matthew Reum, a professional welder and 27-year-old South Bend resident, was miraculously rescued after being trapped in his overturned pickup truck for six days below an overpass. He was discovered on December 26 by two men who were searching the area near Interstate 94 for fishing locations when they found him lying in a shallow creek near Portage.
After sustaining severe injuries, including a broken hand and leg, and amputation above the shin, Reum was airlifted to a trauma center in critical condition. However, he now demonstrates gratitude by embracing life with renewed zest despite his challenging circumstances.
After being released from the hospital, Reum recounted his frightening ordeal during an interview. While driving through foggy weather on his way to a friend’s funeral in South Bend from Hobart, he encountered an animal on the road and swerved to avoid it. The sudden maneuver caused him to veer off the interstate and tumble down into a nearby creek.
Reum remembered abruptly losing consciousness during the mishap and later awakening inside the ruined truck. He had no idea he would remain stranded for six consecutive days. Recalling his expertise in outdoor survival, Reum applied the “rule of three” principle – indicating that humans can survive without air for three minutes, waterless existence lasts up to three days, while abstinence from food extends to about a period of 3 weeks.
Reum was in a state of hopelessness, and he even considered ending his life. However, the sound of his closest companion’s voice came to mind and hindered him from doing so. Stranded with no means to obtain water, he showcased resourcefulness by utilizing his sweatpants as a tool for gathering rainwater through the sunroof, which enabled him to quench his thirst.
Although he could hear distant voices and the sound of vehicles on the highway, his efforts to signal for assistance proved to be in vain. The passing days and nights merged with one another, causing him to lose track of time completely.
Unexpectedly, Mario Garcia and his son-in-law Nivardo De La Torre stumbled upon Reum’s vehicle while searching for fishing spots. They spotted a glint of metal which led them to believe they had discovered a dead body. However, much to their surprise, they found that Reum was still alive. The relief was mutual as Reum had initially thought it might have been something he hallucinated.
In an NBC News interview, Reum recounted his experience alongside Garcia and De La Torre. Despite the trio’s call for assistance, it took rescuers several hours to extract him from the wreckage.
The three individuals have now developed a deep connection, with Reum expressing his immense appreciation and Garcia humorously referring to him as yet another son under their care. Despite facing obstacles such as adjusting to life after an amputation, Reum maintains optimism due to the encouragement of his newfound “family.”
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If you are facing a crisis, you can reach out for assistance by dialing or texting 988 to access the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Alternatively, live chat support is available through 988lifeline.org. You may also find more helpful resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
