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Survival Against All Odds: The Story of Matthew Reum
Late on December 20, 2023, a harrowing journey began for Matthew Reum, a 27-year-old boiler-man from Indiana. While driving home through thick fog, he misjudged an obstacle on the road, swerving to avoid what he thought was a deer. The maneuver sent his truck tumbling into a ravine, landing within a creek beneath Interstate 94.
As he lost consciousness during the violent crash, the deployment of airbags and the shattering of glass offered little comfort. Upon regaining awareness, he found himself disoriented, soaked, and alone in the chilly darkness. The temperature hovered around 30°F (-1°C), and despite having no food or water in the vehicle, Reum believed that help would soon come, convinced that someone must have witnessed his accident.
However, as he struggled to free himself, he discovered that both his horn and the vehicle’s emergency call system were non-functional. His attempts to reach his phone or call for help through Siri were futile. Emulating skills he had gleaned from survival shows like *Man Vs Wild* and *Naked and Afraid*, Reum resorted to yelling for help, thinking strategically in the midst of his crisis. He dedicated about an hour to maximizing his chances of survival through various techniques he had learned.
Tragically, no one arrived to assist him that night. Initially, Reum’s absence went unnoticed; he frequently took work assignments away from home and had plans that didn’t prompt concern from friends and family. He had intended to attend a funeral in Missouri and then head to Colorado for a ski trip, leading to assumptions that he was simply occupied.
As time passed, it became evident that rescue was not imminent. Reum’s injuries began to surface; he felt the pain of cuts and glass embedded in his skin, alongside swelling in his right hand. His legs were trapped, the wreckage pressing painfully against him. Despite his dire circumstances, he remained focused on maintaining his health and hydration. He fashioned a method to collect rainwater that fell through a sunroof, filtering it with spare clothing to avoid contamination from debris.
Reum’s survival instincts kicked in as he searched for ways to free himself. He salvaged tools from the truck to create more space and maintain his morale through small victories. Nonetheless, feelings of despair crept in with the knowledge that he could not alert passing motorists above, and with every moment without water, his hope waned. His struggle was compounded by the haunting thought of self-amputation to escape his confinement.
Throughout his ordeal, Reum reflected on his challenging childhood—having been adopted from an orphanage in Russia—often recalling past resilience forged in adversity. This foundational strength became crucial as he faced hallucinations and significant mental battles while confined in the wreckage. The isolation led him to document his experiences in a journal, capturing fears and reflections over the days that passed without rescue.
On Christmas Day, after six long days, an unexpected turn occurred when two local fishermen, Mario Garcia and Nivardo De La Torre, discovered his truck while scoping out fishing locations. Reum, exhausted and in disbelief, was awakened by this serendipitous rescue. De La Torre promptly alerted emergency services, leading to Reum’s extraction and airlift to a nearby hospital.
Following the accident, medical assessments revealed severe injuries, including fractures and a substantial risk of infection. After enduring multiple surgeries, Reum was left with the stark reality of losing his left leg below the knee, a grim reminder of the crash that threatened to take his life. The loss was a heavy price, yet he maintained a spirit of determination, focusing on rehabilitation and recovery.
Now equipped with a prosthetic leg and a newfound purpose, Reum dedicates himself to remaining active and confronting the mental health challenges that accompany trauma. He frequents the gym several times a week and engages in therapeutic practices to cope with the psychological aftermath of his ordeal.
Reum’s experiences have inspired a deep connection with those who have faced similar life-altering challenges, igniting a passion to share his story through a memoir titled Still Standing: The Seven Miracles of Matthew Reum. His journey reflects resilience, adaptation, and the unwavering spirit to push forward against life’s adversities.
Through his narrative, Reum hopes to shed light on the remarkable strength of the human spirit, emphasizing that despite devastating circumstances, recovery and a renewed lease on life are indeed possible.
The book, Still Standing, co-authored by Erika Celeste and Matthew Reum, is available now.
Source
www.theguardian.com