'My prayers were answered': The story of how one stranded hunter broke legs and fought to survive

'Contemplated on just ending it right there'

John Sain is an experienced hunter, but after a tragic accident during a lone escapade in which he was tracking elk, he faced a tough decision. The accident left two broken bones in one leg; he went as far as writing letters to his family before his instinct to survive kicked in, allowing him the strength to crawl to safety. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Sain He was alone in the wilderness of Jackson Creek Trail when John's foot slipped between two logs. When he fell he broke the bones of his lower leg, leaving him unable to walk.

The injury was serious and, unfortunately, he couldn't contact anyone for help due to lack of cellphone service. He was in tremendous pain and had only a small supply of food and water to keep him alive. Sain John considered suicide when he realized the seriousness of his situation.

"I honestly didn't think I was going to make it out ... Contemplated on just ending it right there honestly," told NBC. He wrote goodbye letters to his wife, Jennifer, and their children before thoughts of suicide turned to thoughts of escape.

Sain made a splint and bound his broken leg with ripped cloth before beginning the trek of his life. John was ready to survive.

Armed with a water purifier, a little food and a survival kit, Sail felt a growing hope and courage. He built a fire every night and gathered strength as he slept but was dehydrated and started to feel hopeless after four days. It was then two motorcyclists found him and called emergency rescue. 

The motorcyclists began to cut down trees so the air ambulance could land.  Life Flight was able to rescue Sain and fly him to a Boise hospital, where he underwent leg surgery and was confined for recovery.

"Thank God. I was praying the whole way that it would happen and it did. My prayers were answered for sure," he said.

Jennifer and their children flew to Boise to be with Sain during his recovery.

"It was hard just knowing that he's out in the hills just trying to stay alive. It still doesn't seem real to me," said Jennifer told The Press Enterprise, adding, "He's hanging in there. The hardest part is seeing him struggle. He's trying to get back to normal and just trying to recuperate from this."

John, Jennifer and their two children thank God and John's rescuers for his safety and survival. Jennifer claims her husband still plans hunt but he will never go without a satellite phone or a GPS locator. 

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