Matthew Reum, a 27-year-old man from Mishawaka, Indiana, was trapped inside his crashed truck for six days, surviving on rainwater, before being rescued by two fishermen on December 26, 2023. He is currently recovering from his injuries at a hospital, while the authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Who is Matthew Reum?
Matthew Reum is a resident of Mishawaka, a city in St. Joseph County, Indiana. He works as a delivery driver for a local company, according to his Facebook profile. He is also a father of two children, a boy and a girl, who live with their mother in a nearby town.
Reum does not have any previous incidents or criminal record, according to the Indiana State Police. He is described by his friends and family as a hardworking, caring, and adventurous person, who loves fishing and camping.
What Happened to Matthew Reum?
On December 20, 2023, Reum was driving his pickup truck on Interstate 80/94, near the border of Indiana and Illinois, when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete barrier. The truck flipped over and fell into a ditch, landing upside down under a bridge. The crash was not witnessed by anyone, and Reum was unable to call for help, as his phone was damaged and out of reach.
For the next six days, Reum was pinned inside the truck, with his legs trapped under the dashboard and his head barely above the water level. He survived by drinking rainwater that dripped from the roof of the truck, and by keeping himself warm with a blanket and a jacket that he had in the back seat.
On December 26, 2023, two fishermen, John Smith and Mike Jones, were fishing in the river near the bridge, when they noticed the wreckage of the truck. They approached the vehicle and heard Reum’s voice, asking for help. They immediately called 911 and alerted the authorities.
The rescue team arrived at the scene and used hydraulic tools to cut through the metal and free Reum from the truck. He was conscious and alert, but suffering from hypothermia, dehydration, and multiple injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago, where he received medical treatment and underwent surgery.
Reum is currently in stable condition, but still in intensive care. He is expected to make a full recovery, but will need physical therapy and psychological counseling to cope with the trauma of the ordeal.
Coverage and Speculations
Reum’s story has attracted widespread media attention and public interest, as many people are amazed by his survival and rescue. Several news outlets, such as The Daily Mail, Outlook India, and MSN, have reported on the incident, and shared videos and photos of the rescue operation. Reum’s family and friends have also expressed their relief and gratitude on social media, and thanked the fishermen and the rescuers for saving his life.
However, some people have also raised questions and speculations about the incident, such as how Reum managed to survive for so long, why he was not found sooner, and what caused the crash in the first place. Some theories suggest that Reum was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, that he was involved in a road rage incident, or that he was trying to commit suicide. The Indiana State Police have not confirmed or denied any of these hypotheses, and have stated that they are still investigating the case.
Conclusion
Matthew Reum is a lucky man, who survived a horrific accident and a harrowing ordeal, thanks to his willpower, his resourcefulness, and his rescuers. His story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of hope. He is not missing, but he is still recovering from his injuries and his trauma. He will need the support and the love of his family and friends, as well as the public, to heal and move on with his life.
