In 2002, a strange rumor began circulating in the city of Medellín, Colombia – a man had been living in an abandoned sewer for over two decades.
As wild as it sounded, the story turned out to be true. Deep beneath the bustling city streets, Miguel Restrepo, his wife, and their dog had taken shelter in a dark and damp concrete tunnel for 22 long years. Their incredible tale of survival against all odds captured the curiosity and compassion of the nation of Colombia.
Miguel Restrepo first went underground in the 1980s to avoid the violence and crime that plagued Medellín at the time. As the years went by, he fashioned a makeshift home in a 600 meter stretch of unused sewer, living off scraps donated by local restaurants and merchants.
Miguel and his wife decorated their subterranean dwelling with recycled furniture and strung up lights. Despite their inhospitable environment, Miguel has said he prefers his underground abode to the dangers on the city streets. For over two decades, he endured the darkness, bad odors and health issues that came from sewer dwelling.
Miguel managed to remain hidden in the labyrinth underground until September 2002, when some youths followed their dog down a sewer tunnel and discovered Miguel and his wife. Word quickly spread of the “sewer dwellers,” and their story astounded both locals and people abroad. Support and donations began pouring in.
However, Miguel and his wife were reluctant to leave their tunnel home. After decades in darkness, re-emerging was a difficult adjustment physically and mentally. With compassion though, government agencies and nonprofits helped Miguel re-integrate into normal society.
Miguel Restrepo’s 22 years in a Colombian sewer is an unbelievable story of love, survival and perseverance. He and his wife created a stable life in the most abnormal of circumstances through hardiness and heart. And though reluctant to leave their subterranean shelter, the generosity and understanding of others gave them the support they needed to rejoin the outside world. Miguel’s life is a testament to the incredible resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.
