Arizona Man Survives 5-Day Desert Ordeal

VOA Breaking News
Voice of America
February 16, 2011 at 12:05 am

An 84-year-old man in Arizona is safe after surviving five days stranded in the desert with nothing but what he happened to have in his car.

Henry Morello told reporters Tuesday he took a wrong turn as he was driving home from his favorite restaurant. When he turned around, he became stuck in a ditch and could not get back on the road.

His cell phone went dead and so did his car battery. Morello said he fell when he tried to walk from his car, so he decided to stay put. Morello said he had some leftover pasta in his car — but that eating it made him thirsty. Since he did not have any water to drink, he drank windshield wiper fluid instead.

And, Morello says he prayed for help.

Morello says that is how he survived the five days and nights he spent alone in his car, until he was finally discovered by hikers.

Morello said he kissed the hiker who found him.

Morello was taken to a local hospital, but doctors say he will go home in a few days. Morello says he plans to go back to his favorite restaurant, even if his friends have to drive him.