'Why Not? That's America': Stranger Kicks In Door, Pulls Man From Burning Home

November 14, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Winterville, Georgia.

A Georgia man says he's lucky to be alive after a complete stranger pulled him to safety from his burning home.

hero saves stranger
Athens-Clarke County Fire Department

David McConnell had been taking a peaceful afternoon nap when he heard odd "popping" noises coming from his kitchen. Dismissing the sounds, he drifted back to sleep. Minutes later, he was jolted awake by the fire alarm.

With smoke quickly overtaking his surroundings, McConnell struggled to the front door, only to realize that the storm door was locked.

Just as panic started to set in, an unexpected lifeline arrived.

Dylan Betts was driving home from work and noticed smoke pouring out of McConnell’s home. Without a second thought, he pulled over, ran to the front door, and kicked in the locked storm door.

man saves stranger fire
Dylan Betts (left) and David McConnell | Fox 5 Atlanta

Betts braved the thick wall of smoke, calling out into the house.

“Mr. David, luckily, heard my voice, and he came right to me,” Betts told Fox 5 Atlanta. He pulled McConnell to safety, helping him breathe in the fresh air outside as emergency responders arrived.

When asked what compelled him to risk his life for a stranger, Betts responded simply, “Why not? That’s America.”

His heroic deed deeply touched McConnell and his family, with McConnell’s youngest daughter now affectionately referring to Betts as “our hero.”


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoZoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning

feel good storiesShe Meant Every Word Of 'In Sickness And In Health'

feel good storiesMy Friend Threw Her Disabled Cat A Birthday Party In The Park

feel good storiesThe Grade That Saved A Life: A Professor's Unforgettable Act Of Kindness

feel good storiesHummingbirds Are Nesting On String Lights - And People Are Sharing The Cutest Photos

feel good storiesSoaked, Scared, And Alone - Baby Raccoon Melts Hearts After Rescue

feel good videoZoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning

feel good videoGolden Retriever Pushes Owner Into Water Causing Hilarious Chaos

feel good videoMan Claims He Can Speak Chicken - And Then Proves It

feel good videoEmu Has An Absolute Blast Playing Chase With Dogs

feel good videoKid's Freestyle Dance To Live Jazz Is Pure Joy — And Viewers Can't Get Enough

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me