Andrew Giddens, 36, was recently found trapped shoulder-deep in mud at a sand mine in Putnam County, Florida. He had been missing for eight days since Valentine's Day (February 14), leaving his family and authorities deeply concerned. According to relatives, Giddens fell into a state of mental distress following a stressful breakup before suddenly disappearing.
Clues from an abandoned vehicle
A large-scale search was launched after a deputy discovered Giddens' vehicle abandoned on the grounds of the Vulcan Materials sand plant. Notably, this is a location where the victim had a prior history of trespassing in 2023. After two days of intensive searching, authorities and plant employees found him in a deep mud pit near the mining area.
At the time of discovery, Giddens' body was submerged below the grass line, making him almost completely hidden from view from a distance, similar to other cases of victims trapped for days in the wilderness. Although he was conscious and able to communicate, the rescue team could not initially use manual force to pull him directly out of the thick mud due to the depth of the entrapment.
A harrowing rescue and health status
Fire crews from Melrose, Palatka, and Putnam County coordinated a rescue operation that lasted approximately two hours. Authorities had to flexibly use ropes, specialized ladders, and digging equipment to pull the victim out safely. Immediately after, Giddens was rushed to the hospital in critical condition due to exhaustion from the lack of food and water for many days—an alarming condition often seen when missing persons found in extreme conditions are recovered.
Currently, local officials stated they will not prosecute Giddens for trespassing after considering his mental health issues. The incident recalls other tragic cases in the state, such as when police found the remains of a missing mother after decades. However, the specific reason why the man entered the hazardous area and how he became mired remains under investigation.
