Local

Teen recalls how he almost died neck-high in mud

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 14-year-old rescued from a mud pit in Kannapolis is home from the hospital.
 
 "I thought my life was about to end," Za'Quan Clyburn said.
 
Clyburn told Channel 9 he took a shortcut with some friends through a construction site Wednesday when his right leg got stuck in the mud.
 
"I tried to get out. That's when my left leg went in," Clyburn said.
 
Trying to free himself, he sunk even deeper.
 
"It was covering my chest," Clyburn said. "It was up to my neck. I was afraid if a lot of pressure pushed up against me then I would stop breathing."
 
At that point, time was of the essence not because of the crushing pressure of the mud but because Clyburn's body temperature was dropping quickly.
 
"It was cold," Clyburn said.
 
One of his friends got help while the other kept him talking and kept him from moving -- possibly saving his life.
 
Soon firefighters got to the area off of West A Street for a dramatic rescue.
 
"They told me, 'Stay breathing and stay calm,'" Clyburn said.
 
It took them nearly 30 minutes to pull the boy to safety.

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