Hurt Man, 70, Survived Week in Upstate New York Woods by Drinking Rain Water

Authorities say a 70-year-old man who fell while walking in the woods near his western New York home survived a week outdoors by drinking rain water.

Police in Avon in Livingston County say they interviewed Donald Farrell on Wednesday at Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital, where his condition has been upgraded to satisfactory.

Farrell told police he went out for a walk on the morning of Aug. 9 and was following two deer off a trail when he lost his footing and fell into some high grass.

He told officials he was unable to get back up. Farrell says he laid there for days and survived by drinking rain water off leaves.

He eventually was found the morning of Aug. 16, when a cousin who was searching for him heard Farrell's cries for help.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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