Missing Santee Hiker Lived Off Urine At Joshua Tree

SANTEE, CA -- A Santee man who injured himself while hiking at Joshua Tree survived off of his urine and cactus for days until rescuers found him. Paul Hanks, who was found March 15, told 10News he is recovering after the shocking fight for his life.

Hanks told 10News he went to Joshua Tree on March 11 to celebrate his 54th birthday.

"I went to Joshua Tree for just a little half-of-a-day excursion," Hanks said. "I slipped (while hiking on rocks). Having not slipped in 45 years, it was an instant shock."

With fractures throughout his body, Hanks made his way to an area around a tree and waited for someone to find him.

"By the very first night, I was drinking my own urine," Hanks told 10News. "I had drank all the water in my bottle. I drank the urine in my bottle."

Hanks survived the rest of the days with rainwater and cactus, he told the news station.

"It gave me some energy," Hanks said. "It gave me some hope."

On March 15, his hope paid off. Hanks was found by a search and rescue team.

"Three angels appeared out of nowhere," Hanks said. "I was shocked. I just couldn't believe it. I written myself off as dead... that I was never going to see another human being again."

As Hanks recovers at a Riverside County hospital, he said he plans to take on his 54th year of life in a new way.

"I look forward to both physical recovery and therapeutic change... to be more forgiving, be more receiving of others, be more genuine," Hanks said.

A GoFundMe account has been established to help Hanks cover his medical bills. A donation will also be made to Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, according to the fundraising page. Click here for more information or to donate.

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Photo via National Parks Service