82-Year-Old Woman Survives 9 Days Trapped in Bathtub After Fall in North Carolina

Joan Rivet, an 82-year-old widow from North Carolina, survived nine days trapped in her bathtub after falling and injuring her back severely. The incident occurred when she slipped backward into the bathtub, pulling down the shower curtain and rod, and was unable to get up or call for help due to intense pain and her injury.

During the ordeal, Rivet lost track of time and experienced intermittent confusion. Demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness, she managed to turn on the bathtub faucet with her foot and sprayed water onto her face to drink and stay hydrated. Throughout this period, her loyal cat Phoebe remained outside the bathroom door without food or water.

Her rescue was initiated after her brother, who lives five hours away, grew concerned when she did not answer her phone and contacted local police to perform a welfare check. Officers found Rivet in a weakened and semi-conscious state and transported her to the hospital, where she was treated for malnutrition, dehydration, and pressure sores. She is now recovering in a rehabilitation center and plans to move closer to her brother following this life-threatening experience.