In Episode 277 of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with David Cicotello, who shares an extraordinary story of survival, loss, faith, and recovery.
In March 2011, Cicotello and his older brother, Louis, entered the North Fork of No Man’s Canyon in Utah for what was supposed to be a six-hour canyoneering trip.
During their final rappel, Louis called out that the rope was short. Seconds later, the rope ripped through the rappel ring and disappeared over the edge.
Unable to reach his brother, descend the canyon, or climb back the way they had entered, Cicotello was trapped. With only the contents of a day pack, a small amount of food and water, and no way to call for help, he turned his attention to one goal: survive until rescuers could find him.
Cicotello takes us through the 144 hours he spent alone in the canyon—rationing supplies, enduring freezing nights, creating a HELP sign, and relying on routines, determination, and faith to keep going.
A map Cicotello left with his loved ones eventually led search-and-rescue teams to the brothers’ location. Utah DPS pilot Luke Bowman, Trooper Aaron Beasley, Commander Rustin Grundy, and members of Wayne County Search and Rescue reached Cicotello and pulled him from the canyon.
Cicotello also speaks openly about losing his brother and the difficult recovery that followed. As he explains, surviving the canyon was only the first stage. Learning to live with what happened required another community of people to help rescue him all over again.
This episode shares the survivor’s perspective of a rescue previously discussed by Luke Bowman in Episode 249—and serves as a powerful reminder to prepare carefully, leave a detailed route plan, and never underestimate the people who will come looking when you need them most.
Enjoy!
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