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'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.

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.

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.”