A Vietnam veteran, who had been missing for five days in the Arizona wilderness, is recovering after enduring a rattlesnake attack, relying on his own urine for hydration, and sleeping under trees, according to reports.
Mark Eric Young, 76, had recently attended a wedding and decided to extend his visit to the Verde Valley area. He set out for a solo hike in the Bloody Basin on April 16. However, after he didn’t return for a family dinner the following day, his loved ones grew concerned and reported him missing.
Young, who resides in North Carolina, had navigated this area many times before, but ultimately lost his way. He admitted, “I failed. I took the wrong path,” which quickly turned this adventure into a daunting struggle for survival.
Describing the frightening experience, Young recalled, “I’ve never gone five days without water.” Each night, he sought shelter under cedar and pine trees, armed with limited supplies: a military compass, a few water bottles, lighters, and water purification tablets.
During one encounter, he was attacked by a rattlesnake. “When I turned the corner, there was a rattle, and I heard it. I think he noticed me at the same time. He rattled and struck, but that blow wasn’t enough. I stoned him to death,” he explained.
By the third day, he was out of water and had to make the tough decision to drink his own urine to survive. “I urinated in a water bottle and drank it because I thought I had to do it to survive,” he said.
On the fifth day, he heard voices calling for him. At first, he didn’t recognize them, but it turned out to be his sons, Paul and Josh. “I was just so exhausted; I screamed. It was unbelievable. We cried and hugged each other,” he shared.
Young turned to his faith and memories of his seven children and 31 grandchildren to keep his spirits up during those harrowing days. “I was encouraged by various scriptures and memories of near-death situations in my life. I didn’t feel like this was the way to die,” he reflected.
Search teams, including his children, had scoured the area. They eventually found his vehicle and followed the evidence that led them to his location, discovering a dead rattlesnake nearby.
Once located, Young was airlifted to a hospital where he received treatment for dehydration. Remarkably, he sustained no broken bones or serious injuries.
Reflecting on his experience, Young emphasized the love and dedication he felt from those who participated in his rescue. “It brings me to tears. It’s about community, unity, and people who are willing to risk their lives for rescue,” he said.
