Premium Only Content

'I COULDN'T WATCH HER DIE': Man Saves Elderly Woman Trapped in House Swept Away by Floodwaters
'I couldn't watch her die': Man saves woman trapped in house swept away by floodwaters
ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — A North Carolina man is being called a hero after he risked his own life to save a woman from Hurricane Helene's raging floodwaters in Ashe County.
Cellphone video shows the moment the waters carried away a home with the woman inside. That's when Eddie Hunnell, who happened to be in Grassy Creek for his son's wedding, jumped into action. Hunnell said he saw the home coming down the river when he noticed a group of onlookers screaming for help.
As the group watched in horror at what was happening, Hunnel realized it was now or never.
"When it was happening, I was trying to make the calculated risk of, 'How do we save her?'" Hunnell told WRAL.
Without hesitation, Hunnell jumped into the floodwaters with only a rope and a life vest. He braved the strong current of the New River and reached Leslie Worth. He was then able to get her to the bank safely.
"I grew up swimming on a swim team," he said. "I was a lifeguard. I'm in OK shape, but I couldn't watch her die."
Worth and her husband, Phil, posed with Hunnell for a photo after the breathtaking rescue. While they lost all their belongings, they're grateful to be alive. They were even honorary guests at the wedding's rehearsal dinner.
"It didn't hit me until I laid down in bed that night and about had a panic attack, but I didn't see another option," Hunnell said.
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with news that impacts you from the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
---
** A GoFundMe was started for the victims of the flood in Ashe County North Carolina.
Here is the video that is going viral of the rescue by Eddie Hunnell.
@hals__14 posting for a friend in hopes it reaches others. this is her uncle, he’s a hero. GoFundMe he started for the sweet souls involved who lost so much: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-3-ashe-county-flood-victims-rebuild-from-helene ♬ original sound – Hals
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/10/amazing-rescue-north-carolina-local-hero-jumps-raging/
-
1:15
Truths Unlimited
16 hours agoEnormous fire breaks out by Area 51 sending UFO watchers into a frenzy— WHAT'S GOING ON!??? 7.16.25
1.1K1 -
LIVE
Donut Operator
2 hours agoCRIME/ CYCLISTS ARE SCUM/ GAMEBOY CAMERA CHAD
1,942 watching -
LIVE
Nikko Ortiz
1 hour agoLive - News, Politics, Podcast And Naaah Im Playin We Chillen
429 watching -
LIVE
Right Side Broadcasting Network
3 hours agoLIVE: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Holds a Press Briefing - 7/17/25
8,847 watching -
DVR
Sean Unpaved
1 hour agoNo Respect for Hurts, Gillis Goes Wild, MLB Trade Deadline Buzz, & CFB's Big Question
7.35K -
1:04:54
Timcast
2 hours agoCNN SHOCKED Trump APPROVAL Went UP Following Epstein Scandal
112K79 -
LIVE
Barry Cunningham
13 hours agoMUST WATCH: KAROLINE LEAVITT HOSTS WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE!
2,013 watching -
10:51
Adam Does Movies
2 hours ago $0.19 earnedI Know What You Did Last Summer - Movie Review
4.59K1 -
LIVE
The Tom Renz Show
1 hour agoThe DOJ Does Something! They Sue to Keep Fluoride in the Water???
229 watching -
LIVE
The Charlie Kirk Show
1 hour agoDefund NPR + New War in Syria? America's Military Restored| Ashkar | 7.17.25
2,415 watching