News Reporter Rescues Nurse Who Was Trapped In Hurricane Ian Floodwaters

September 30, 2022

A news reporter is being hailed a hero for stepping in, while he was working, to save a woman whose car was stuck in floodwater as Hurricane Ian slammed Orlando.

WESH 2 News

While covering Hurricane Ian, Tony Atkins noticed a woman in her car waving for help. The woman, a nurse, was on her way to work early Thursday and attempted to drive through the flooding caused by the hurricane.

Atkins waded through waist-high waters to the vehicle.

"She handed me her purse. I just told her to get out. She got out through the window. I thought it'd be best to carry her on my back. She got on my back. She asked for help one time, and then I got her to safety," Atkins said.

"I'm still a little shaky, but I know God had him in place just when I needed him. I'm so thankful he was willing to help me and not just ignore me! I really appreciate the love he showed me! He will never be forgotten!" the woman told 12 News reporter Hannah Hilyard.

Watch the video below.