News

Actions

Man stuck on Mt. Olympus for days thanks rescuer

Posted at 10:25 PM, Nov 08, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-09 02:50:56-05

MURRAY, Utah - A 19-year-old man who says he spent six days on Mount Olympus before being rescued by a 17-year-old boy and his father last Saturday.

Cole Taylor says he wanted to go on a spiritual hike last week, but what started as peaceful nearly cost Taylor his life when he took a wrong turn off the trail.

Taylor says he was stuck on Mount Olympus for six days, forced to eat leaves and snow, even drink his own urine.

"I fell through some trees," Taylor said. "I was throwing up all this stuff you're not supposed to throw up."

Taylor says he was suffering so much, he considered suicide, but on Saturday night, 17-year-old Jackson Steed heard his cries for help and Taylor was brought down the mountain by search and rescue crews.

"Honestly I was scared. I knew he was up there and I could just as easily get lost," Jackson said.

Taylor says he considers the rescue his opportunity for a second chance and Jackson Steed his personal angel.

"You know my life has been saved, I owe it to him. I could've given up and God helped me not to give up but I still would have died if it wasn't for him," Taylor said.

Taylor suffered some scratches and was very dehydrated but didn't suffer any serious injuries.

Related story:
Father, son find hiker stranded on Mt. Olympus for 3 days