Woman, 82, survives nine days trapped in bathtub after fall
6 reported
An 82-year-old North Carolina woman survived being trapped in her bathtub for nine days after a fall, according to a report from The Mountaineer newspaper. Joan Rivet told the outlet she turned the faucet on with her foot and drank water splashed to her face while drifting in and out of consciousness. Sheriff Bill Wilke of Haywood county confirmed deputies found Rivet on June 10 after her brother, Bill Lesko, called to check on her. Rivet had fallen on June 1 while getting ready for bed, injuring her back and unable to get out of the tub. She was treated for severe dehydration and bed sores at a hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Rivet said the experience prompted her to plan a move to Georgia to live with family and changed her view on checking on neighbors.
What’s reported
Joan Rivet, 82, of Clyde, North Carolina, fell in her bathtub on June 1 and was trapped for nine days.
She turned the faucet on with her foot and drank water splashed to her face.
Sheriff Bill Wilke confirmed deputies found Rivet on June 10 after her brother Bill Lesko called.
Lesko became concerned when Rivet did not return his weekly calls and neighbors saw her car but no movement.
Rivet was treated for severe dehydration and bed sores, then transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Waynesville.
She plans to move to Georgia to live with family after the ordeal.
Key figures
Joan Rivet, 82-year-old North Carolina woman
Bill Lesko, Rivet’s brother, lives in Georgia
Sheriff Bill Wilke, Haywood county, North Carolina
Phoebe, Rivet’s cat
Sources: The Guardian
