Florida man missing for 10 days is found buried in freezing mud - ALIVE

A man who was missing for 10 days has been found buried in mud up to his shoulders - alive.

Andrew Giddens, 36, of Jacksonville, Florida, was found by Palatka Fire Department after he was last seen on Valentine's Day.

Mr Giddens was rescued on February 23 at the Vulcan Materials Company, a sand plant east of Melrose, Florida.

The local fire department said he had been stuck in mud for several days without food or water, while the area faced freezing temperatures.

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His abandoned car was seen near the site where he was eventually found by Putnam County Sheriff's Office Deputy Derrick Holmes, who had requested a welfare check on Mr Giddens.

According to the sheriff's office, Mr Holmes was told by Mr Gidden's friends that was depressed due to a recent break-up.

It took nearly three hours for emergency responders to free the trapped man after he flagged down the rescue team and alerted them of his location.

Footage of the rescue shows the fire crew hoisting Mr Giddens with a rope wrapped around him.

Palatka Fire Department said: "The rescue took about two to three hours, with specialized crews working carefully to bring him to safety.

"Thanks to the skill and teamwork of these first responders, Andrew is expected to recover.

"This rescue shows the power of mutual aid, training, and dedication. We are grateful for the bravery and professionalism of everyone involved."

Clay County Fire Rescue’s Technical Rescue Teams, Melrose Fire Department-Florida, and Putnam County Fire Rescue all also aided in the rescue.

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Putnam County Sheriff's Office said it would not pursue any charges relating to the incident.

"Due to his mental health, no charges are being considered at this time. We hope that he is able to recover from his ordeal both physically and mentally," said the police force.

Vulcan Sand Plant told WCJB, a local news channel: "Our Vulcan team at the Grandin Sand Plant handled a trespassing situation with care and compassion shepherding first responders to a man who was in distress.

"We are grateful for his safe rescue and thankful for the first responders who aided him."

Mr Giddens' aunt, Jeannie Smith Carson, said: "Andrew was found alive. All we know is that he was stuck somewhere since Saturday. He is in bad shape.

"The EMS is on their way. But he is alive."

After the rescue, she said in a separate post on social media: "Thank you all for your prayers. Here is an update. Thank God he was found when he was. One more day and we would not have been as fortunate.

"This world is crazy. I am blessed to have my people who have shared and reshared this and have prayed. I can’t thank all of you enough. God is good."

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