16-Year-Old’s Quick Action in River Rescue Protects Three Girls and a Police Officer

On a warm July night in Pascagoula, Mississippi, what began as an ordinary evening for several teenagers quickly became an event that would change lives forever. The calm river setting turned into a scene of fear, urgency, and incredible bravery. What happened in just a few minutes would leave the community stunned and grateful.

The Pascagoula River, powerful and unpredictable, runs through the Gulf Coast near quiet boat launches used for fishing and late-night gatherings. Around 2:30 a.m., a vehicle carrying three teenage girls suddenly drove off an unlit ramp and plunged into the river. In an instant, a peaceful night became a desperate fight for survival.

Authorities later explained that the driver had been following GPS directions and did not realize the ramp led directly into the water. In the darkness, there were few visual warnings. The car floated briefly before drifting about 20 feet from shore, then began sinking into deep water with strong currents.

The girls managed to escape the vehicle and climb onto its roof, stranded far from safety. They screamed for help, surrounded by cold, swirling water and fading hope. The river’s current was strong enough to overwhelm even confident swimmers, and the situation was turning deadly by the second.

That’s when 16-year-old Corion Evans, a student nearby, heard their cries. Without hesitation, he kicked off his shoes, removed his shirt, left his phone behind, and ran straight into the river. His decision was instant, driven only by the need to save lives.

Corion later shared that he had been swimming since he was three years old, giving him experience in difficult water conditions. Even so, the Pascagoula River was no calm pool. Every stroke required effort against the unseen force of the current, yet he pushed forward without fear.

Reaching the girls, Corion faced the challenge of getting them back safely. The partially submerged car offered little stability, and panic made everything harder. A friend also entered the water to assist, helping keep the girls afloat while Corion guided them toward shore.

Together, they brought the girls back one by one, each trip exhausting and dangerous. Corion fought both the current and fatigue, focusing on keeping the girls calm and moving. One passenger later said he saved her life “right before my last breath,” showing how close tragedy had come.

Just when it seemed the rescue was complete, another crisis unfolded. Officer Garry Mercer responded to the scene and entered the river to help, but during the chaos he began struggling in the water. Corion, already exhausted, turned back immediately and swam out once more to save the rescuer.

By the end of the ordeal, all four people — the three girls and the officer — were brought safely to shore. They were treated at a local hospital for exhaustion and water inhalation, but they survived. Corion’s courage became a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that ordinary people, even teenagers, can do extraordinary things when lives are on the line.