Missing Jacksonville man rescued alive from mud at Putnam County sand plant after several days

Rescue ends multi-day search in Putnam County

A 36-year-old Jacksonville man who had been reported missing was found alive Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after becoming trapped in mud on an industrial property in Putnam County. Officials said he had gone several days without food or water and was discovered at a sand operation east of Melrose, near the intersection of Paran Church Road and State Road 100.

The man, identified as Andrew Giddens, was located on property operated by Vulcan Materials Company. First responders described the incident as a technical rescue because of unstable ground conditions near a borrow pit, where the mud was deep enough to pin him shoulder-deep and made access dangerous for rescuers.

Timeline: vehicle found first, then air and ground searches

Authorities said the investigation accelerated after a deputy located a vehicle abandoned near the sand plant on Monday, February 23. The deputy recognized the name associated with the vehicle from a prior trespassing encounter at a different company property in 2023, prompting requests for a property search.

An aviation unit was deployed to search the area, and a welfare check was also conducted at Giddens’ home. Despite those efforts, Giddens was not immediately located. Company employees continued monitoring the expansive grounds and eventually spotted him in the mud near the borrow pit on Wednesday evening.

Extraction took hours due to terrain hazards

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including Putnam County Fire Rescue and municipal fire departments from surrounding communities. Responders initially attempted rope-based extraction but transitioned to a more deliberate technical approach to reduce the risk of additional collapses in the mud.

To reach the trapped man without sinking, crews laid ladders and other equipment to distribute weight across the surface. Officials said the extraction took roughly two to three hours and concluded at about 8:30 p.m. The man was then transported by air ambulance to a trauma center in critical condition.

What is known about the circumstances

Authorities said family and friends had reported concerns for Giddens’ safety after he had been upset in connection with a recent breakup. He was last known to have been in contact with family on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Officials have not provided a definitive account of how or when he entered the muddy area or became trapped.

• Location: Vulcan sand plant property in Putnam County, east of Melrose

• Key dates: vehicle found February 23; rescue completed February 25

• Medical status: airlifted in critical condition; officials said he is expected to recover

Legal and public-safety notes

Authorities said no charges were being considered at the time because of mental-health considerations. Officials also emphasized the risks posed by unstable, saturated soils around industrial pits and excavation areas, where seemingly solid ground can give way and complicate rescue operations.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.