The quintet, comprised of Eleanor Cart, Kaitlyn Iannace, Clarke Jones, Jane McArdle, and Molly McCollum, were en route from Athens to Savannah, Georgia, to partake in St. Patrick's Day celebrations when they encountered an alarming scene.
As they navigated along Murray Hill Road in Burke County, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority sisters noticed an unusual dust cloud beneath the Brier Creek bridge. McCollum, recounting the incident to Fox 5 Atlanta, described seeing a flash of white light amidst the dust. The group quickly pulled over and descended a hill to a boat ramp area, where they discovered a white minivan submerged underwater.
McCollum, speaking to Fox News Digital, admitted to initially being in shock at the sight. However, she quickly realized the gravity of the situation and the necessity of their intervention. "I knew in the moment [that] had I not stepped in and done something about the situation in front of me, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself," she stated.
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Without hesitation, the young women sprang into action, rushing towards the submerged vehicle and its three occupants. According to Online Athens, two of the students plunged into the water to extract the victims, while the others gathered essential supplies and liaised with emergency services.
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"We see the mom pop out of the car… We’re just tag-teaming, trying to get the children out of the water," McCollum told Fox 5 Atlanta. She revealed that along with the mother, there were two children in the vehicle, one of whom was approximately four years old and had been underwater for an estimated four to five minutes.
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In the midst of the chaos, one student dialed 911, while another utilized her lifeguard training to administer CPR to one of the children. Clarke Jones described the situation as a "worst-case scenario," but miraculously, within a minute, the child began to respond. "It was so surreal. I mean, the mom just went and picked up her child and we all just kind of looked at each other and instantly started sobbing," Jones said.
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The Burke County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all three survivors were transported to a hospital and were discharged the following day. McCollum expressed gratitude for the opportunity to assist the family, stating, "I think we are constantly placed in the right place at the right time to be of help to others."
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The University of Georgia recognized the five women's heroic efforts with a lifesaving heroism proclamation. UGA President Jere W. Morehead commended the students in a press release, stating, "I am so proud of these heroic students and their exemplary act of courage and teamwork." The Kappa Alpha Theta Grand Convention also plans to honor the first-year students for their bravery.
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The Sardis Police Department lauded the students on Facebook, writing, "These five young ladies were the primary factor in ensuring that the occupants were able to get out of and on top of the vehicle." The department also expressed gratitude to local emergency service groups for their assistance in the rescue efforts. "We especially want to thank the 5 students for their selflessness and act of courage! The term ‘hero’ gets said about sports stars and others, but these five are true heroes!!" the department added.
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