A bathtub survival story from North Carolina is reminding families why check ins can save lives.
An 82 year old widow in Clyde, North Carolina, survived nine days trapped in her bathtub after a fall left her unable to climb out.
Joan Rivet was found barely alive on June 10 after her brother became worried when she missed several phone calls. Deputies with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office found her during a wellness check.
Rivet had gone days without food. She survived by using her toes to turn on the bathtub faucet and splash water toward her hand.
A Simple Fall Became a Fight to Survive
Rivet told PEOPLE she was getting ready for bed on June 1 when she tripped in her bathroom and fell backward into the tub.
As she fell, she grabbed the shower curtains and rod, becoming tangled before landing on her back. She later managed to move the curtains and tried to use the rod to pull herself up.
Nothing worked.
Rivet said she cried for help when she had the strength. Her elderly cat, Phoebe, cried nearby, but no one outside the home could hear them.
She Found a Way to Reach Water
The bathtub faucet was close, but Rivet could not bend far enough to reach it with her hands.
Eventually, she figured out how to turn the spigot with her toes. That small act helped keep her alive during the nine day ordeal.
She also used the shower rod to pull a terry robe toward her for warmth when the room became cold.
PEOPLE reported that Rivet said she prayed and kept asking what she could do next. You can read PEOPLE’s report here: PEOPLE report on Joan Rivet’s survival.
Her Brother Knew Something Was Wrong
Rivet has lived alone since her husband, Clarence “Dez” Rivet, died in September 2023. The couple had been married for 35 years and had no children.
Her brother, Bill Lesko, usually called her every week from Georgia. At first, he was not alarmed when she did not answer. But after repeated missed calls, he asked neighbors to check on her.
The neighbors saw her car in the driveway but could not get her to answer the door. Lesko then called authorities for help.
The Guardian reported that deputies found Rivet semi conscious in the bathtub after the wellness check. You can read that report here: The Guardian report on Rivet’s rescue.
Doctors Say She Was Running Out of Time
Rivet was taken to Haywood Regional Medical Center. Her brother told PEOPLE that he believes she may have had only hours or another day left when help arrived.
She later moved to Skyland Terrace Rehabilitation Center in Waynesville, North Carolina, where she began physical therapy.
Rivet said she is working on her strength, stamina, and confidence. She has moved from a liquid diet to solid food as she recovers.
Phoebe the Cat Also Survived
The ordeal also took a toll on Rivet’s 14 year old cat, Phoebe.
After days without normal care, the cat was weak when help arrived. Rivet feared she might have to make the painful decision to have Phoebe put down.
But someone at Junaluska Animal Hospital offered to take the cat home and care for her.
Rivet said knowing Phoebe had a home made her happy.
A Warning for Families and Neighbors
Rivet now plans to move closer to family in Georgia. She said it is time for her to be with loved ones.
Her brother said the family has learned a painful lesson about checking more closely on people who live alone.
The story has touched many people because the danger started with something simple. One fall, one missed call, and one locked door almost became a tragedy.
But Rivet survived through prayer, quick thinking, and the concern of a brother who kept calling.
Her story is now a reminder that a small check in can become the reason someone gets another chance to live.