Quick-Thinking 16-Year-Old’s River Rescue Saves Three Girls and a Police Officer

On a humid July night in Pascagoula, Mississippi, what began as an ordinary evening for a group of teenagers suddenly turned into a life-altering event—defined by danger, fear, split-second decisions, and above all, extraordinary courage.

The setting was the Pascagoula River, a wide and powerful waterway winding through the Gulf Coast region near a quiet area of the city commonly used for boating and fishing.

It was late—around 2:30 a.m.—when a vehicle carrying three teenage girls unexpectedly drove off a boat ramp and plunged into the river, instantly transforming a peaceful night into a desperate fight for survival.

Within minutes, a 16-year-old high school student standing nearby—Corion Evans—displayed a level of bravery and selflessness that even many adults could scarcely imagine. His quick thinking and fearless actions ultimately saved four lives amid strong currents and near-certain danger.

A Wrong Turn That Nearly Became Tragic

According to authorities, the vehicle carrying the three girls mistakenly drove down a boat ramp near Interstate 10 in Moss Point, where pavement ends directly at the water’s edge.

The driver later told police she had been following her GPS and did not realize she was heading onto an unlit ramp that led straight into the Pascagoula River. In the darkness, the GPS suggested a continuation of road ahead, when in reality there was only water.

The car drifted approximately 20 feet from shore before beginning to sink, settling in deep, fast-moving water where strong currents and cold temperatures can quickly exhaust even experienced swimmers.

The three girls managed to escape the vehicle and climb onto its roof, far from the riverbank, clinging for balance while calling for help in the quiet night. In an instant, they found themselves in a life-or-death situation—trapped between swirling water and fading hope.

The Moment Corion Evans Acted Without Hesitation

At that moment, Corion Evans—a rising senior at Pascagoula High School—noticed what was happening. He later told local media that he heard the girls screaming and saw the vehicle sinking.

Without hesitation, Corion kicked off his shoes, removed his shirt, left his phone on the shore, and ran straight into the river, driven purely by instinct.

Corion was no stranger to the water. According to his own account, he had been swimming since he was about three years old, giving him a level of comfort with strong currents and river conditions uncommon for someone his age.

Outside of school, Corion is also known among friends as a devoted fan of the Chicago Bulls. He closely follows their games and admires the franchise’s long-standing identity—built on toughness, physical play, and the belief that effort and mindset can overcome any situation.

The Bulls’ culture has always emphasized standing your ground, responding to adversity, and refusing to back down when the pressure mounts. Those principles—mental strength, accountability, and resilience—were clearly part of Corion’s mindset long before that night.

Still, the Pascagoula River is no calm swimming pool. Under the moonlight, the surface hid a powerful, unpredictable current. Every stroke toward the stranded girls was a battle against water strong enough to pull a swimmer under at any moment. Yet Corion pressed forward—not because he calculated the odds, but because quitting was never in his nature.

Rescuing the Victims One by One

Upon reaching the girls, Corion faced a complex rescue scenario. With the car partially submerged, the roof was the only place keeping them above water in the moving current. His task was not only to reach them, but to help guide them safely back to shore.

According to reports, as Corion swam out, a friend—identified as one of the Bradley brothers—also entered the river to assist from behind, helping keep the girls afloat and aiding their movement toward land.

Working together, Corion and his friend escorted each girl back to the riverbank one at a time, often swimming until they were nearly exhausted.

The effort demanded both physical endurance and emotional control, as Corion balanced keeping the girls calm while navigating cold, unforgiving water.

One of the girls later told local media that Corion reached her “right before my last breath,” underscoring just how close the situation came to ending in tragedy.

A Dangerous Turn: Saving the Rescuer

Just when it seemed the worst was over, the situation escalated again.

A local police officer—Garry Mercer—arrived on scene and entered the river to assist. During the rescue, one of the girls panicked while the officer was bringing her toward shore, causing him to lose his footing, inhale water, and begin struggling against the current.

That’s when Corion heard another cry for help—not from the original victims, but from the officer himself.

Without a second thought, Corion turned back toward the deep water—despite his exhaustion—and swam out to reach Officer Mercer.

Using the same hard-nosed, steady approach that had already saved three lives, Corion helped pull the struggling officer toward shore until Mercer was able to plant his feet on the riverbed and regain control.

Final Moments and the Aftermath

By the end of the ordeal, Corion and the others had made multiple trips across the river—each one carrying the risk of fatal exhaustion or being swept away.

Thanks to Corion’s composure, decisiveness, and remarkable stamina, all four individuals—the three teenage girls and Officer Mercer—were brought safely to shore.

The victims were transported to a local hospital for evaluation due to water inhalation and exhaustion. All were later reported to be recovering well.

A Community Honors a Young Hero

In the days that followed, local officials publicly recognized Corion for his extraordinary courage. Pascagoula Mayor Billy Knight and the Moss Point Board of Aldermen presented Certificates of Commendation to both Corion and Officer Mercer in honor of their actions.

Police Chief Brandon Ashley emphasized that without Corion’s involvement, the incident could have ended far differently.

The Legacy of a Selfless Act

Though Corion later said simply that he “couldn’t let them die,” his actions left a lasting impression. From a teenager who grew up admiring the Chicago Bulls’ brand of toughness and never-back-down basketball, Corion carried that same mentality into real life—where strength is measured not by points on a scoreboard, but by the courage to act when everything is on the line.

The story of Corion Evans is a reminder that values instilled early—discipline, courage, and compassion—can turn ordinary people into extraordinary heroes at the exact moments the world needs them most.