Survivor Describes 6-Day Ordeal Trapped After Wreck

The incident occurred on December 26 when Reum, en route from Hobart to South Bend, swerved to avoid a potential collision with an animal. In the dense fog, his truck veered off the road, plummeting into a shallow creek and overturning in the process. Reum suffered severe injuries, including a broken hand and leg, which later led to the amputation of his other leg above the shin.

Discovered by chance by Mario Garcia and his son-in-law Nivardo De La Torre, who were searching for a fishing spot along Interstate 94, Reum's survival was nothing short of miraculous. Rushed to a trauma center in a helicopter, he reflected on the surreal moment of realizing he had made it through the ordeal.

Reum's ordeal involved a struggle not just with physical injuries but also with his mental state. Facing the darkness of isolation and contemplating suicide, he found strength in the voice of his best friend urging him to persevere. Demonstrating resourcefulness, Reum used his sweatpants to collect rainwater, ensuring he stayed hydrated during his six-day ordeal.

Despite having a watch and a phone with crash notification technology, Reum's desperate cries for help went unanswered, leaving him in an agonizing state of isolation. The relentless determination to survive and the unexpected arrival of Garcia and De La Torre brought an end to his ordeal.

The rescue, though not without challenges, marked the beginning of an unlikely friendship. The trio, now fast friends, share a bond forged in the crucible of adversity. Reum's positive outlook on life, even after the amputation, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

As he undergoes therapy to relearn basic tasks, Reum faces the future with optimism. He acknowledges the challenges presented by his amputation but remains unfazed, cherishing the newfound friendships that emerged from the darkest days of his life. In the face of adversity, Matthew Reum's story is a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within the human spirit and the unexpected connections that can arise from the most challenging circumstances.

Source: NBC