Culture

News Reporter Rescues Nurse Trapped In Hurricane Ian Floodwaters

Published on October 2, 2022

During natural disasters, there are typically those who, due to circumstances, have the make the decision of whether or not to intervene in helping others in need.

Journalists are some of the most likely to end up in the right place, at the right time, to help out.

A news reporter is being hailed a hero for stepping in, while he was working, to save a woman whose car was stuck in floodwater as Hurricane Ian slammed Orlando.

While covering Hurricane Ian, Tony Atkins noticed a woman in her car waving for help. The woman, a nurse, was on her way to work early Thursday and attempted to drive through the flooding caused by the hurricane.

Atkins waded through waist-high waters to the vehicle.

“She handed me her purse. I just told her to get out. She got out through the window. I thought it’d be best to carry her on my back. She got on my back. She asked for help one time, and then I got her to safety,” Atkins said.

“I’m still a little shaky, but I know God had him in place just when I needed him. I’m so thankful he was willing to help me and not just ignore me! I really appreciate the love he showed me! He will never be forgotten!” the woman told 12 News reporter Hannah Hilyard.

Watch the video below.

During an interview on 12 News at 4, Atkins said he hasn’t had to chance to communicate with the woman he saved, but said she was on her way to work as a nurse.

Atkins, who moved to Orlando for the job with WESH 2 News in August, said he was humbled to be where the woman needed him to be in that moment.

“Leaving home was tough for me. But I feel like God will put me in the right place,” he said, “Her job was to save other lives, you know, and she had to be to work. So I just felt like God just kind of moved me there.”