In a remarkable act of heroism, two fishermen came to the rescue of a driver who had been trapped in his wrecked pickup truck for days. Nivardo Delatorre and his father-in-law, Mario Garcia, stumbled upon the stranded driver while searching for fishing spots on Interstate 94 in northwest Indiana on Tuesday.

According to Delatorre's 911 call obtained by CNN, he reassured the driver that help was on the way, exclaiming, "They're on the way, buddy. They're on their way." Delatorre provided crucial information to the authorities, while Garcia stayed with the injured driver, who revealed that he couldn't feel his legs and suspected they might be broken.

The fishermen had originally spotted something shiny in the creek and, as they investigated further, came across the mangled truck. Garcia, assuming the worst, gently touched the man's shoulder, only to have the driver awaken. The man in the truck, identified as Matthew R. Reum, 27, of Mishawaka, disclosed to Garcia that he had been tightly pinned in his seat under the bridge near Portage since December 20.

Reum expressed immense gratitude to the fishermen, as their timely arrival gave him hope. At a news conference held by state police, Garcia relayed that Reum had almost lost all hope of being rescued. While they waited for professional rescuers to arrive, Delatorre and Garcia comforted Reum, who was overwhelmed with relief at their presence.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield explained that emergency crews faced challenges in reaching the accident site, requiring the closure of the westbound lanes of I-94 to free the trapped driver and transport him to a waiting helicopter. After hours of effort, Reum was finally rushed to a nearby hospital. Reports indicate that he has sustained multiple broken bones and leg injuries, potentially requiring surgeries.

As of Wednesday morning, Reum remained in critical condition at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, according to a statement from Beacon Health System. His union, recognizing the financial burden of his medical expenses, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his recovery. Reum expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the support he has received, particularly from those who found him, the first responders, and his caregivers at the hospital.

Reum has requested privacy as he processes the traumatic experience and focuses on rest and healing. Despite the adversity he faced, Reum remains optimistic, stating, "No matter how tough things get, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes in the least expected way." He plans to share the details of his incredible survival story when he feels ready to do so.