Man amputates own leg to get free of fallen tree
66-year-old trapped for 11 hours uses pocketknives to cut limb below knee
Video: Life |
Inside the life of a compulsive hoarder Nov. 30: TODAY takes a look at the life of a woman who can’t part with anything, hoarding all her belongings and endangering her life. She talks with TODAY’s Meredith Vieira and clinical psychologist Robin Zasio. |
Related stories |
IOWA HILL, Calif. - Alone in the woods with his left leg pinned beneath a fallen tree for 11 hours, a 66-year-old man used pocketknives to cut off his limb below the knee to free himself, a neighbor and authorities said.
Al Hill had been cutting trees last Friday when one fell on him. After freeing himself, he cried out for help, and a neighbor passing through this sparsely populated area heard him.
Eric Bookey then hiked nearly two miles to get a cellular signal and placed an emergency call to the town's all-volunteer fire department about 7:30 p.m., Fire Chief Luana Dowling told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Hill was eventually airlifted by helicopter to a hospital where he underwent amputation surgery, Dowling said. "He's a pretty remarkable person," Dowling said.
A hospital spokeswoman said Hill was in serious condition on Wednesday, and that he was declining interviews.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM LIFE |
| Add Life headlines to your news reader: |
Boost your career with an online Degree. Pick from Leading Colleges!
www.EarnMyDegree.com
Sponsored links
Resource guide


