Missing Man Found Trapped in Mud Days After Disappearing on Valentine’s Day

A Florida man who vanished on Valentine’s Day after a painful breakup was found alive days later — trapped shoulder-deep in mud at a sand plant and barely hanging on.

Andrew Giddens, 36, was discovered Monday near a borrow pit at the Vulcan Sand Plant, eight days after his father reported him missing.

According to family members, Giddens had been struggling emotionally following a recent breakup. His father told authorities they last spoke on February 14. After that conversation, he disappeared.

The break in the case came when a deputy recognized Giddens’ abandoned vehicle at the sand plant property. The deputy had previously encountered him during a 2023 trespassing incident at the same location, local outlet WCJB reported. That sighting triggered an intense search effort.

After two days of combing the area, deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and plant employees made a startling discovery. Giddens was stuck in thick mud, submerged up to his shoulders and partially hidden below grass level, making him difficult to spot.

Miraculously, he was still responsive and able to communicate with rescuers — but he was too far out for anyone to simply pull him free.

Fire crews from Melrose, Palatka and Putnam County rushed to the scene. What followed was a delicate, two-hour rescue operation. Crews initially attempted to use ropes to drag him out but shifted strategies, bringing in ladders and equipment to carefully dig and lift him from the mud without causing further harm.

Photos from the scene show rescuers working in the dark, covered in mud, as they slowly freed Giddens from what could have been a fatal situation.

“This rescue shows the power of mutual aid, training, and dedication,” the Palatka Fire Department said in a statement. “We are grateful for the bravery and professionalism of everyone involved.”

Giddens was transported to a hospital in critical condition after surviving nearly a week in harsh outdoor conditions without food or water.

Authorities said no trespassing charges will be filed, citing concerns for his mental health.

It remains unclear how Giddens ended up stuck in the mud or why he returned to the property.