81-Year-Old Stranded in Snowstorm for Days Survived by Eating Croissants, Candy, and Snow

Croissants and candy were on the menu for a snow-stranded 81-year-old in California, and the snacks are now being pointed to as crucial in the man’s survival.

The man in question, Jerry Jouret, had initially left Big Pine, California on Feb. 24 to drive to Gardnerville, Nevada. Speaking with CNN about the incident, the man’s grandson, Christian, said that his grandfather had left under the assumption that he could get out of town before extreme snow hit the region.

At some point on his journey, Jouret—a mathematician who previously worked for NASA—got his SUV stuck near the Gilbert Pass region. In the ensuing days, Jouret kept warm using the limited means available to him—namely a windbreaker, a quilt, and a towel. Though Jouret did occasionally turn on the car for heat, he was careful not to keep it on.

A statement from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, meanwhile, provides additional context on the rescue operation. According to the department, they were first notified of a missing person on Feb. 28. A search-and-rescue plan was then put into motion, although continued weather resulted in a pause. Following a cell phone ping on March 2, a helicopter ultimately spotted “a vehicle partially buried in snow.” Shortly after, rescue crews noticed a person’s hand “waving from inside the vehicle.”

Although he’s said to be “traumatized” by the days-long experience, Jouret is said to be doing fine; in fact, he was released from the hospital within hours. In addition to utilizing the snacks available in his car while stuck, reports say, Jouret also ate snow.

Complex has reached out to the California Highway Patrol for additional comment. This story may be updated.