Madison Twp. Man Uses Pocket Knife To Dig Himself Out Of Disaster

A Tri-state man is now safe after using a pocket knife to literally dig himself out of a disaster.

The 83-year-old Madison Township man says he was on his tractor outside his Keister Road home when the tractor flipped and he was trapped.

He's says it's amazing how much strength you get when you're in a life-and-death situation.

The tractor flipped as John Cockerham was trying to move a post on his property.

He ended up with his leg pinned and his entire body stuck under the tractor.

So, for two hours he struggled to free his leg.

Then, he says he pulled his pocket knife out and spent another two hours digging at the dirt under him to create room so he could squeeze out.

"I hollered, 'Lord, don't let me die here. I don't want to die under this tractor. help me to get out!,' and by the grace of God, he had given me the strength to get out," said Cockerham.

Cockerham has eight children, 21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren – plus one great-great grandchild.

So, a lot of people are grateful.

Cockerham spent one night at the hospital and has a lot of bruises, but he's doing fine now.