A Humboldt resident has defied the odds and lived to tell the harrowing tale of his recent near-tragic experience solo hiking in Hawaii. 

Ian Snyder, a 34-year-old father of three from Ferndale, somehow managed to survive a 1,000 foot fall from a hiking trail in Oahu’s Koʻolau mountain range. Sporting a broken arm, a swollen eye and numerous scrapes and bruises, Snyder told Hawaiian media yesterday that he’d spent three near-immobile days stranded near the bottom of a waterfall, drinking stream water to survive. Despite his uncertain fate, Snyder said he never lost hope.

“I had made my peace with God,” Snyder told reporters. “I will be OK whether I live or whether I die.” 

Eventually search and rescue crews were able to locate Snyder thanks, in part, to posts that the hiker made on social media. On Dec. 7, a helicopter crew spotted him waving his good arm at them. 

Snyder said he’s learned his lesson and will never again hike alone. Hear more of his story in the news clip above.