George Co. man in good condition after getting stuck in mud | News

JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX)- The 83-year-old George County man missing for three days is now resting in the hospital in good condition, that's according to Singing River Health System. 

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd and another deputy found Chester "Sonny" Breland at least 40 miles from his home, stuck in a mud pit suffering from dehydration.   

"He was in that water hole," Byrd said as he pointed to where Breland got stuck.

The coast-wide search for Chester Breland came to an end in Jackson County, when a driver spotted his car trapped in a deep muddy pit and called 911.

"He was in the car, he was asleep, and I got him out and put him in my truck," said Byrd.  

"You can see the water line under the door," Towing Company Owner Mike Shows said. 

Mike Shows of All Access Towing Company pulled the senior's car out of the hole.  

"It lets you know there is really a God for somebody to be able to survive like that for three days," Shows said. 

According to George County investigators, the 83-year-old left his home Friday for an early morning drive. When he didn't return that night, his family called authorities and then emergency alerts were issued across the coast and nationally.

"In this case it was worth this man's life, and it was worth it to his family to get him back," Investigator Stuart Fairchild said. 

"We just needed to find him as quick as possible," George County Sheriff Dean Howell said. 

Breland reportedly told authorities he got his roads mixed up while driving and that's how he ended up lost in Jackson County. Sheriff Byrd and the George County Sheriff's department are pleased the story had a happy ending and the senior is alive and well. 

"This is one time we are glad we found him because he could have very well died out here," Byrd said.

Deputies said, they don't know how long the car was stuck in the pit. 

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