Paraplegic survives 3 days stranded in US desert

FARMINGTON, New Mexico (AP) - A paraplegic man who says he was stranded in the New Mexico desert without his wheelchair, dragged himself for nearly 7 kms down a dirt road for three days before he found help.

The Farmington Times reports that Ricky Gilmore, 49, was found last week on Tocito Road. He is being treated at the Northern Navajo Medical Center for acute kidney failure from dehydration, a sprained wrist and a blood infection. He spent two days in intensive care and it could be at least another week before he can go home.

Mr Gilmore says he was dropped in the desert by a couple in a white truck whom he met while he was hitchhiking. He had invited them to his home for steaks and they later went for what Mr Gilmore thought was going to be a joyride.

When he declined to share his alcohol with them, Mr Gilmore said the man grabbed him by his feet and threw him out of the truck while parked along the desolate road.