When discussing the concept of being in the right place at the right time, 16-year-old Corion Evans exemplified this when he witnessed a car carrying three teenage girls plunge into a river in Mississippi. Recognized as a hero, Evans, a skilled swimmer, successfully rescued all three girls and a police officer who had jumped in to assist but found himself in distress.
The incident occurred around 2:30 AM at the I-10 boat ramp in Moss Point, Mississippi. The girls’ vehicle, following GPS directions, drove off the ramp and floated approximately 25 yards into the Pascagoula River before beginning to sink. They managed to escape the car and climbed onto its roof, where they called for help. Upon hearing their cries, Evans quickly removed his shirt and shoes, leaving his phone behind, and dove into the water.
“I was just like, ‘I can’t let none of these folks die,'” Evans recounted, noting that he had been swimming since the age of three. He swam towards the girls, determined to help them out of the water.
Moss Point Police Officer Gary Mercer arrived shortly after and also entered the water to assist. However, during the rescue, Mercer encountered trouble when one of the girls panicked, causing him to go under and swallow water. Evans noticed the officer struggling and immediately swam over to help him, stating, “I see the police officer. He’s drowning. He’s going underwater, drowning, saying, ‘Help!’ So, I went over there. I went and I grabbed the police officer and I’m like swimming him back until I feel I can walk.
” Together with his friend Karen Bradley, Evans managed to bring the girls and Officer Mercer safely to shore, despite the exhausting nature of the rescue. Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley praised Evans’s bravery, emphasizing that his actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome.
In respect to this daring stunt, Evans received a certificate of commendation from city officials for his heroism. His mother expressed immense pride in her son’s selflessness, considering how he placed the safety of others over his own.