Arizonan, 84, Survives 5-Day Desert Ordeal

Henry Morello drank windshield wiper fluid to stay alive
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 16, 2011 1:21 AM CST
Arizona Man Henry Morello, 84, Survives 5-Day Desert Ordeal
Henry Morello, 84, of Anthem, Ariz., toasts with a bottle of water as he talks about surviving his desert ordeal.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

An 84-year-old Arizona man was found alive and well after spending 5 days stranded in the desert without water. Henry Morello, who is diabetic, got stuck in a ravine after taking a wrong turn while driving home from his favorite restaurant. He survived by drinking windshield wiper fluid and using his SUV's floor mats to keep warm at night, reports the Arizona Republic.

A pair of local men who consider Morello their adopted grandfather organized ground and air searches, putting together rescue parties with up to 75 volunteers. Morello, who was eventually found by hikers, says he never gave up hope—and he'll never leave home again without water and matches. "I want to drive again, but they want to take my car away," he says. "They've got another thing coming." (More desert stories.)

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