Police in Moss Point, Mississippi, said a 16-year-old, Corion Evans, entered the Pascagoula River around 2:30 a.m. to help rescue three teenage girls from a car that had gone into the water—and later assisted a police officer who briefly went under during the effort. The account was reported by Opposing Views and attributed to Moss Point Police and ABC 7 Eyewitness News.
The car went off a boat launch
According to police, the vehicle carrying three teenage girls left a boat launch and traveled roughly 20 feet from shore before it began to sink. Authorities said the driver later told them she had been following GPS directions and did not realize the route led into the river.
Teen dives in as calls for help ring out
Evans, identified as a Pascagoula High School student, told the outlet he heard the girls calling for help, removed his shoes and shirt, and went into the river. A friend of Evans also entered the water and helped the girls reach the top of the vehicle, according to the report. Evans then worked to keep them above the surface as they moved toward safety.
Officer in trouble; teen doubles back
Moss Point Police Officer Gary Mercer arrived and joined the rescue, police said. While Mercer was assisting one of the victims, that person struggled in the water, causing the officer to go underwater briefly and swallow water. Evans swam to Mercer and helped pull him toward shallower water, according to the report.
Hospital checks and city recognition
All four people were taken to a hospital and were reported to be recovering. Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley praised Evans for putting himself at risk to help others and said his actions may have prevented a devastating outcome, according to the report. The city later presented Evans with a certificate of commendation, and Mercer was also recognized.
Family reaction and experience
Evans’s mother, Marquita Evans, said she was thankful her son returned safely after the incident, per the report. Evans said he has been swimming since age 3 and felt exhausted afterward, and he acknowledged there could be unknown hazards in the river.
