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Joe Salas now back home
Six days after being found alive in the wilderness of Idaho County, former Saipan resident Joseph “Joe” Salas is now back home in Boise, according to the 53-year-old’s wife, Cathy.
“Today, Joe was discharged from the hospital and has made a tremendous recovery considering being out in freezing cold for five nights without food and limited water,” a posting in Cathy Salas’ Facebook page read.
In the same posting, Cathy thanked everyone who helped in Joe’s search and those who prayed for his safety.
“This ordeal has touched us in so many ways and we cannot thank each of you enough. What we have witnessed is the coming together of everyone in prayers regardless of race or religion and all sharing so much love. It has brought us all together much closer, strengthened our faith, and be at peace with each and everyone of us.”
In a Facebook message to Saipan Tribune, Cathy said Joe is resting at home and seems to be feeling better. “He just can’t put pressure on his right foot for two weeks. Of course he’s relieved to be back home, but not sure yet when he’s going back to work.”
She said Joe’s first meal at home was barbecue ribeye steak and beef short ribs adobo.
“On behalf of Joe, our children Jon and Ashley, Ton and Stormy, we extend our deepest appreciation for all the prayers, words of comfort, and generosity during the most painful five days of searching for Joe,” added Cathy at the end of her Facebook post.
Joe was found alive last Oct. 17, Saipan time, after he went missing following a hunting trip five days earlier.
A day before Moses Sablan found him, his family on Saipan was about to give up the search as authorities warned of a cold front descending on the search area.
Joe is a former president of the Saipan Little League Baseball Association, a former staff of the House of Representatives, and a former manager of a garment factory in Tanapag. He is also a former U.S. Army Ranger.
