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Aron Ralston is an American mountaineer and adventurer who gained international attention in 2003 when he became trapped in a remote canyon in Utah and was forced to amputate his own arm to free himself.

On April 26, 2003, Ralston set out on a solo hiking trip in Blue John Canyon, part of the Canyonlands National Park in Utah. While descending a narrow slot canyon, a boulder became dislodged and pinned his right arm against the canyon wall, trapping him in an isolated location with no means of communication.

For the next five days, Ralston attempted various methods to free himself, including trying to chip away at the boulder and rigging a pulley system using his climbing rope. However, all his efforts proved unsuccessful. With limited food and water, Ralston faced a dire situation.

On the sixth day, realizing that his chances of rescue were slim and facing the prospect of death, Ralston made the difficult decision to amputate his own arm. Using a dull multi-tool, he began the painful process of cutting through his forearm, severing the bones and tendons. After about an hour, he successfully freed himself from the boulder.

Ralston then rappelled down a 65-foot cliff and hiked several miles before encountering a family who provided him with water and alerted authorities. He was eventually airlifted to a hospital, where he received medical treatment for his injuries.

Aron Ralston's incredible story of survival and self-amputation gained widespread media attention and inspired many. His ordeal was later depicted in the 2010 film "127 Hours," directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco as Ralston.

Since his harrowing experience, Ralston has continued his adventurous pursuits and has become an advocate for outdoor safety. He has given numerous motivational speeches and has written a book titled "Between a Rock and a Hard Place," which details his experience and the lessons he learned from it. Ralston has also worked with the National Park Service to promote safety and preparedness for outdoor activities.

In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Ralston has become a father and has focused on his family life. He has also continued to inspire others with his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. 

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