Malibu

‘Freaked Out': Injured Hiker Rescued After Three Days Stranded in the Mountains

Marcelo Santos injured his knee when he tumbled down a steep rock face in Malibu Creek State Park

A seriously injured hiker spent three days without food in the mountains above Malibu before he was located in the wilderness by search-and-rescue teams.

Marcelo Santos spoke Friday about a harrowing ordeal that he said he didn't think he would survive. Santos, confined to a wheelchair due to his leg injuries, is recovering at a hospital. 

Santos was reported missing Sunday. About 100 searchers fanned out in the Malibu Creek State Park area. They located his cell phone in a backpack, but Santos was nowhere around.

That's because he had tumbled down a steep rock face, ripping open his knee. 

For the next three days, Santos was without food. He found drinking water in a mountain stream and endured cold temperatures at night. 

In his words, he was "freaked out."

"I had not energy left," said Santos. "I was dehydrated. I had no nutrients left in my body, and I was hurt. I just knew if I gave up, though, that I would literally be giving up my life because no one was going to find me where I was. I just found the will to keep going."

At one point, Santos could hear search helicopters overhead, but he was hidden from view by a tree canopy. He finally limped to a Salvation Army Camp on the edge of the park, where searchers found him.

When asked whether he plans to go for a hike after his injuries heal, Santos said, "Yes," without hesitation. He added that his biggest mistake was leaving his backpack behind. In addition to his phone, it contained flashlights and a lighter.

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