Joan Rivet, 82, of Clyde, North Carolina, survived nine days trapped in her bathtub after a fall, turning the faucet on with her foot and drinking water splashed to her face, she told The Mountaineer newspaper. The remarkable survival story highlights the risks faced by millions of older Americans who fall accidentally each year, as estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How She Survived
Rivet, a widow since 2023 living alone in a mountain home, fell backward into her bathtub on June 1 while preparing for bed, bringing down the shower curtain and rod. She injured her back and could not pull herself out. Her telephone was out of reach, and her cat Phoebe was the only other occupant. Neighbors could not hear her calls for help.
Realizing she needed water to survive, Rivet managed to turn the tub faucet knob with her foot and drank by splashing water to her face. She drifted in and out of consciousness, seeing days "get dark and lighter, dark and lighter." She prayed, "Lord, help, help, help release the pain."
Rescue and Recovery
On June 10, Sheriff Bill Wilke of Haywood County confirmed deputies found Rivet after her brother, Bill Lesko of Georgia, called to check on her. Lesko became concerned when she did not return his weekly calls. He first called neighbors, who saw her car in the driveway but no movement inside. Deputies found Rivet semi-conscious in the tub.
Rivet arrived at the hospital with severe dehydration and bed sores from prolonged positioning in the tub. She received IVs and liquid food. By July 7, she was at a rehabilitation facility in Waynesville, North Carolina. "I'm warm, I'm dry. I had a shower this morning – hallelujah – they washed my hair," she said. "I've had food and water. I'm content."
Impact and Perspective
Rivet plans to move to Georgia to live with family. She told The Mountaineer the ordeal shifted her view on community: "I have two other neighbors that live alone, too. And now we say we need to check on one another." Her cat Phoebe also survived.
