Ontario Man Rescued After 10-Hour Ordeal Trapped Under ATV

UPDATE: An Ontario man, Eric “Rick” Sorenson, has been rescued after an astonishing 10 hours trapped under an ATV at the bottom of a 4.5-metre embankment. This harrowing incident unfolded on the afternoon of August 10, 2023, in Sydenham, Ontario, leaving him fighting for survival amidst extreme dehydration.

Sorenson’s ordeal began when he ventured out to a grocery store, but after failing to return, concerned family members contacted local businesses in search of him. His mother, Marie Hannah, reported, “They said, ‘No Marie, we have not seen Eric today, we miss his jokes.’” Alarmed, she initiated a search that many neighbors joined, yet none noticed Sorenson trapped where he had crashed.

While navigating the gravel roads, Sorenson lost control of his ATV, which rolled multiple times before pinning him underneath. Stranded without water and exposed to intense heat that felt like 40°C with humidity, he had to summon the lessons taught by his late father, a Navy veteran, to attract attention for rescue.

“I just said, ‘Please see this,’” he recalled from his hospital bed, describing how he flickered the ATV’s lights in an attempt to signal passing vehicles. After several fruitless attempts, a firefighter returning from a blaze finally noticed him and rushed to assist. The shocking moment was punctuated by the firefighter exclaiming, “Oh my God!” upon discovering Sorenson’s condition.

Once rescued, Sorenson was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with severe dehydration and sustained injuries to his leg. Tragically, doctors determined that an amputation was necessary; he underwent the procedure on August 21, 2023, losing his right leg about 20 cm below the knee.

Hannah expressed mixed emotions upon learning of her son’s rescue, stating, “I was elated, but the worst is yet to come.” She emphasized the long road ahead for Sorenson, highlighting the challenges he will face as he learns to adapt to his new reality.

In a bid to support Sorenson and his family, Maryann Ruttan, his stepbrother’s partner, has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The funds raised will help cover essential modifications to their home, including ramps and door adjustments, as well as future prosthetics. Ruttan underscored the campaign’s aim to alleviate financial burdens during this challenging time.

As Sorenson begins his recovery journey, updates from his family will be critical in following his progress. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, reflecting the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Stay tuned for further developments on Sorenson’s recovery and the ongoing impact of this traumatic experience on his life and family.