82-Year-Old North Carolina Woman Survives Nine Days Trapped in Bathtub After Fall

An 82-year-old woman from North Carolina, Joan Rivet, survived nine days trapped in her bathtub after a fall on June 1. Rivet, who lives alone in Clyde, managed to drink water by using her foot to turn on the faucet while drifting in and out of consciousness.

How the Incident Unfolded

Rivet fell backward into her bathtub while preparing for bed. After realizing she couldn't get up, she attempted to call for help, but her neighbors were unable to hear her cries. With her phone out of reach, Rivet was left without immediate assistance.

Days passed, and Rivet knew she needed to stay hydrated to survive. She ingeniously figured out how to turn on the faucet with her foot, allowing her to splash water to her face. “I stayed away from the dark side of the whole situation because once you go down there – how do you get out?” she told the Mountaineer.

Rescue and Recovery

Rivet's brother, Bill Lesko, who lives in Georgia, grew concerned when he couldn't reach her. He contacted local deputies, who found her semi-conscious in the bathtub on June 10. She was transported to a hospital, suffering from severe dehydration and bed sores.

Hospital staff treated her with IVs and liquid food. By the time of her interview published on July 7, Rivet was recovering in a rehabilitation facility in Waynesville. “I’m warm, I’m dry. I had a shower this morning – hallelujah – they washed my hair,” she remarked about her improved condition.

A Shift in Perspective

Rivet's ordeal has led her to reconsider her living situation. She plans to move to Georgia to live with family. Her experience has also changed her outlook on community. “I have two other neighbors that live alone, too. And now we say we need to check on one another,” she noted.

Despite the challenges she faced, Rivet remains positive, stating, “I’m still regaining my energy, still regaining confidence. Doing what I can do and believing in myself.”