Missing Florida Man Rescued from Mud After Days-Long Search

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A Jacksonville man reported missing earlier this month was found alive in a dramatic rescue Wednesday, buried shoulder-deep in mud on the sprawling grounds of a Putnam County industrial property. After a days-long search, rescue crews were able to free Giddens from the unstable mud pit and airlift him to a trauma center in critical condition.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges and risks involved in search and rescue operations, especially in remote and treacherous environments. It also underscores the importance of mental health awareness and support, as the authorities noted Giddens' recent personal struggles as a potential factor in his disappearance.

The details

Deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office discovered Giddens' abandoned vehicle on Feb. 23 and alerted Vulcan Materials Company employees to search the property. A worker eventually spotted Giddens nearly invisible, buried up to his neck in mud near a borrow pit. Multiple fire and rescue teams responded, but initial attempts to pull Giddens free using ropes failed due to the suction-like force of the mud. Rescuers then carefully laid ladders, backboards, and pallets across the unstable surface to create a safe path, painstakingly digging and maneuvering around Giddens until they were able to free him around 8:30 p.m.

• On February 23, Giddens' abandoned vehicle was discovered by deputies.
• On February 26, Giddens was found buried in mud and rescued by emergency crews.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office urged anyone struggling or feeling hopeless to seek help by contacting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and encouraged families to continue checking in on loved ones during moments of stress.