Five University of Georgia students from the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Eleanor Cart, Kaitlyn Iannace, Clarke Jones, Jane McArdle, and Molly McCollum, were traveling to Savannah when they came across a troubling scene on a bridge in Burke County, Georgia. They saw a white minivan submerged underwater, and without hesitation, they sprang into action. Two of the women entered the water to rescue the passengers, while the others gathered supplies and contacted emergency responders. One of the passengers, a 4-year-old child, had been submerged for several minutes and required CPR. Despite the intensity of the situation, the child began responding within a minute of receiving assistance.
Their quick thinking and bravery were commended by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, and all three survivors were taken to a hospital and released the following day. The University of Georgia honored the women with a lifesaving heroism proclamation, recognizing their courage and teamwork. The Sardis Police Department also praised the students for their selflessness and contribution to ensuring the safety of the accident victims. The women will be recognized at the Kappa Alpha Theta Grand Convention for their fearlessness and bravery. UGA President Jere W. Morehead expressed his pride in the heroic students and their exemplary act of courage and teamwork.
Molly McCollum, one of the students involved in the rescue, reflected on the experience and emphasized the importance of being aware of opportunities to uplift others in need. She acknowledged that while the submerged vehicle incident was unique, there are always people around us who may benefit from a helping hand. McCollum believed that being in the right place at the right time to assist others can have a significant impact, whether in catastrophic events or in everyday struggles. The women’s actions serve as a reminder of the profound impact individuals can have when they extend kindness and support to those in need.
The group of women acted quickly and decisively upon coming across the submerged minivan, recognizing the urgency of the situation and responding with courage and compassion. Despite the chaotic scene, they worked together to rescue the passengers, with one student even utilizing her lifeguarding skills to administer CPR to the child in distress. Their efforts were instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of all the individuals involved in the accident. The community, including local emergency service groups, expressed gratitude for the students’ selflessness and courage in the face of adversity.
The students’ heroism has not gone unnoticed, with the University of Georgia and the Sardis Police Department commending their bravery and quick actions. The proclamation and recognition received by the women serve as a testament to their selfless behavior and willingness to help others in times of need. Their story is a reminder of the impact that individuals can have when they are willing to step up and assist those who require aid. The women’s actions exemplify the values of compassion, bravery, and teamwork, showcasing the power of empathy and solidarity in making a positive difference in the lives of others.
The incident on the bridge in Burke County serves as a powerful example of how a group of individuals can come together in a crisis to provide aid and support to those in distress. The students’ willingness to take action, their ability to work together as a team, and their dedication to ensuring the safety of the accident victims highlight the importance of being prepared to help others in times of need. Their story is a reminder of the impact that acts of kindness and bravery can have on individuals and communities, showcasing the resilience and strength that can emerge when people come together to help one another in challenging circumstances.
