While reporting on the floodwaters and continued rain in Atlanta, Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen stopped mid-report to save a woman from rushing water.
The impact of Hurricane Helene has not settled, especially for more southern states like Georgia, and while reporting on the rising water, the direction the flood was moving, and the impending damages, Van Dillen noticed a woman trapped in her car.
The team quickly called 9-1-1, but between the time it was taking a response team to arrive and the woman's cries for help continuing in the background, Van Dillen paused the broadcast.
Gesturing out to the water, Van Dillen said:
"I'm gonna go see if I can help this lady out a little bit more. I'll be back."
Van Dillen then waded out into the water. Even though he's 6'1", the water rose all the way up to his chest before he reached the car. The film crew captured Van Dillen's brave rescue attempt as he helped the woman from the car and gave her a piggy-back ride all the way to the shallows.
The woman was escorted to the the film crew's van, where Van Dillen left her with his jacket to help her stay warm, and he also told her that she could keep it.
Van Dillen was happy to report that all ended well.
"Her husband picked her up, and she's all good."
"But the story now turns not on me, but it turns to how much flooding we've seen. I mean... amazing amounts coming in."
The woman's husband also called Van Dillen to the side to thank him for his efforts, to which Van Dillen humbly replied:
"Anytime. I'd do it again now."
You can watch the full exchange here:
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
FOX News also shared the rescue on X (formerly Twitter).
Viewers of the incident were deeply touched by Van Dillen's heroic act.
Beautiful Guy beautiful Soul
— faivem ⚪️ (@faivem05) September 27, 2024
It's the media that's constantly pitting us against each other. But I still have faith in the goodness of humanity.
— T.t (@tosino007) September 27, 2024
It's inspiring to see @foxweather's meteorologist stepping in to help someone in such a critical situation. A true hero during these challenging times. Stay safe out there!
— SHAHID KHAN (@shahidkhan762) September 27, 2024
What an incredible act of bravery! 🙌🌊 Huge respect to the @foxweather meteorologist for stepping in to help during such a dangerous situation! Stay safe, everyone! 💙💪
— Trendo News (@NewsTrendo) September 27, 2024
Wow that's amazing! Hero! Thank you sir! 🫡
— Andre Nuta 🇺🇲 (@andre_nuta) September 27, 2024
This is great. Gave me some warm fuzzies inside.
— Bow Hunter 🇺🇸 (@BowHunter247) September 27, 2024
A Fox News Hero! Amazing!
— Cat Rock 🇺🇸 (@1CatRock) September 27, 2024
Well done, sir!!!
— Terry Ballantine (@TerryRB49) September 27, 2024
God bless that man, AND the lady he saved
— Ang K (@angkaul) September 30, 2024
See! People are still good:)
— gareth5000 (@gareth5000) September 30, 2024
Van Dillen was shy about having so much attention on what he had done, and he was more than ready to get back to what he felt the big news of the night was: the weather. Still, it's important to bring attention to the kindness we're capable of showing to one another.
