16-Year-Old’s Quick Action in River Rescue Protects Three Girls and a Police Officer

One of the passengers later told local outlets that Evans literally saved her life “right before my last breath,” a stark testament to just how close the situation had been to a tragedy.

A Turning Point: Saving the Rescuer
Just as it seemed the worst was over, the situation became even more dangerous.

A local police officer — identified as Officer Garry Mercer — responded to the scene and entered the river to assist the victims. In the chaos, one of the girls began panicking while the officer was attempting to bring her to shore, causing him to lose his footing, swallow water, and begin to struggle under the current’s force.

That’s when Corion heard the call for help — not from those originally in danger, but from someone intended to protect them.

Without a second thought, Corion turned and swam back out into the deep water — physically exhausted but focused — and reached Officer Mercer.