Share

WATCH: Ryan Seacrest reunites man who was buried alive as a new born with his saviour - 20 years later!

accreditation
Ryan Seacrest. (Photo: Getty Images/Gallo Images)
Ryan Seacrest. (Photo: Getty Images/Gallo Images)

Cape Town - “This could’ve been my grave,” says Matthew Whitaker at the spot next to a hiking path in Altadena, California, where he’s standing next to Azita Milanian, the woman who found him here as a new-born.

“You were wanted,” Azita says.

In 1998 Azita was jogging with her two dogs when one of the dogs started scratching at the dirt next to the trail. When she investigated, she saw two tiny feet sticking out from the dirt. She dug the baby out and was shocked to see he still had his umbilical cord – he was only a few hours old.

While she scooped dirt from his mouth she begged him, “Please don't die. I’ll never leave you. I love you.” He grabbed onto her wrist and stopped crying, she told the LA Times.

Azita called 911 and the baby was cared for at the Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena until he was strong enough to be adopted. Azita regularly visited the baby in hospital.

After the adoption she lost contact but she never stopped thinking of the little bundle of human being she’d saved.

Their reunion was all thanks to the efforts of a close friend of Matthew’s adoptive mom. She called the local KIIS FM radio station and told them Matthew would like to have a DNA test to get to know more about his heritage.

The station organised for Matthew to take the test live on air during the show On Air with Ryan Seacrest. In preparation for the show one of the producers, Patty Rodriguez, did some research on Matthew and found the story of a new-born being discovered in a 1998 edition of the Los Angeles Times newspaper – the same time as Matthew’s birth.

Patty decided to get him together with Azita. On the Wednesday morning of the show Azita waited on him in a room near the studio with a birthday card that read: “Happy birthday, Baby Christian Mountain Angel Matthew.”

When he finally walked in, she hugged him and held onto him with the words, “Finally, all my dreams came true.”

Watch the video below: 

Sources: sunnyskyz.com, boredpanda.com, latimes.com, wnd.com, abc7.com

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()