An 82-year-old North Carolina woman has recounted her survival after being trapped in her bathtub for nine days following a fall. Joan Rivet, of Clyde, was preparing for bed on June 1 when she tripped and fell backward into the tub, bringing down the shower curtain and rod with her. The fall left her with severe back pain, making it impossible to climb out.
Rivet, who lives alone and whose husband passed away in 2023, described hearing her cat, Phoebe, meow outside the bathroom door as she cried out for help. With no immediate assistance, she lost track of time, drifting in and out of consciousness.
To survive, Rivet used her foot to turn the bathtub faucet, splashing water toward her face to stay hydrated. Her brother, Bill Lesko, who lives in Georgia, became concerned after not hearing from her for several days. He contacted her neighbors, who confirmed her car was in the driveway but saw no signs of activity. Lesko then requested a wellness check from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrived at Rivet's home on June 10 and found her semi-conscious in the tub. She was transported to the hospital, where she was treated for severe malnourishment, dehydration, and bedsores. She has since been moved to a rehabilitation center. The cat, Phoebe, also survived the ordeal, having been left without food or water for the nine days.
Rivet plans to move to Georgia to live with her brother following the harrowing experience. She attributed her survival to prayer and a determination to stay positive.