What started as a quiet fishing trip in Indiana turned into a life-or-death rescue mission that two men will never forget. Mario Garcia and his son-in-law, Nivardo De La Torre, decided to enjoy a day by the creek while their wives were away. But instead of catching fish, they caught sight of something they couldn’t ignore—a mangled car, hidden beneath an Interstate 94 bridge in Portage.
At first, it seemed like a tragedy. The wreckage was so severe they assumed the driver was gone. But as they got closer, a miracle unfolded: the driver, 27-year-old Matthew R. Reum, was alive.
Authorities believe Reum’s car veered off the road, missed a guardrail, and went airborne before crashing into Salt Creek. The vehicle rolled multiple times and landed in a spot so remote, it was practically invisible. That twist of fate might have delayed his rescue for hours—or even days.
Reum was found disoriented, unable to remember how long he’d been trapped. He was quickly airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Reaching him wasn’t easy. The remote location, surrounded by rushing water and thick terrain, made the rescue a daunting challenge.
“He’s incredibly lucky,” said Sgt. Glen Fifield of the Indiana State Police. “His car missed the guardrail and went airborne, landing in the creek. The wreck was so badly mangled, you could barely tell it was a vehicle.”
Garcia and De La Torre described the moment they reached Reum. “He looked like he had almost given up,” Garcia said. “When he saw us, his face lit up with the most incredible look of relief I’ve ever seen.”
The weather may have been one of Reum’s silent heroes. With temperatures in the high 50s, he avoided the worst of the freezing conditions. State police also credited his determination to survive. For days, Reum drank rainwater to stay hydrated, holding on despite the overwhelming odds.
“It’s nothing short of miraculous,” added Sgt. Fifield. “Everything aligned for him to survive.”
This incredible story reminds us of the power of hope, chance, and the kindness of strangers. Share this remarkable tale with your loved ones—because stories like these are worth spreading.
