Boone McCrary’s selfless attempt to save a stranded man during Hurricane Helene highlights the courage and dedication of first responders.
At a Glance
- Boone McCrary died rescuing a man during Hurricane Helene floods in Tennessee.
- Accompanied by his girlfriend and dog, the rescue mission turned tragic when their boat capsized.
- David Boutin, the man he tried to save, survived and considers McCrary his ‘guardian angel.’
- Authorities confirm Boone was among 215 victims across six states.
A Hero’s Final Mission
Boone McCrary, a 32-year-old emergency nurse and avid nature lover from Tennessee, made a valiant attempt to save David Boutin, stranded by the rising waters of the Nolichucky River. Accompanied by his girlfriend, Santana Ray, and his loyal chocolate Labrador, Moss, they set out bravely in a fishing boat amid overwhelming flood conditions. Tragically, their rescue mission ended in disaster as the boat capsized after hitting a bridge support.
Boone McCrary’s noble intentions stood out, with Boutin expressing profound gratitude, “I’ve never had anyone risk their life for me,” he recounted to The Associated Press. After clinging to tree branches for six hours, Boutin survived, carrying the memory of McCrary’s heroism as his guardian angel. This incident highlights the risks first responders face while performing rescue operations under adverse conditions.
As the Hurricane Helene-driven waters rose around the Nolichucky River in Tennessee, Boone McCrary, his girlfriend and his chocolate lab headed out on his fishing boat to search for a man who was stranded by floodwaters that had leveled his home. https://t.co/yCtftxuLvu
— ABC News 4 (@ABCNews4) October 6, 2024
Rescue Attempt and Its Aftermath
Technical failures made a challenging situation dire when debris jammed the boat’s motor. As a result, Ray was rescued after holding on to a tree limb for several hours. Meanwhile, Boone’s sister, Laura Harville, organized an exhaustive search using drones and hunting dogs to find him. His body was eventually discovered four days later, many miles downriver.
Boone was cherished by his family, colleagues, and community, remembered not only for his altruism but also for his universally generous spirit. His commitment to others is evident in his social media post asking if anyone needed help during the hurricane. This tragic event contributes to the ongoing discussion about emergency preparedness and the everyday heroism that defines those who choose to act despite peril.
I want to take a moment to recognize the loss of life from Hurricane Helene and send up prayers for the missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
Last night Billy McCrary of Greeneville wrote to me about the tragic passing of his oldest son and dog Moss on Friday as they…
— Rep. Diana Harshbarger (@RepHarshbarger) October 4, 2024
Honoring Boone McCrary’s Legacy
Boone McCrary’s tragic passing highlights the bravery of those devoted to saving lives. His actions have sparked discussions on emergency readiness and promoted awareness within the community. Coworkers at Greeneville Community Hospital and friends along with family members continue to honor his life of kindness and selflessness.
Boone’s legacy will continue to inspire acts of courage and compassion in the face of adversity. Remembering Boone McCrary as a model of heroism and dedication serves as a lasting reminder of the impact one determined individual can have in an emergency. His sacrifice emboldens others to foster community resilience and rally support during times of disaster.
Sources:
- Tennessee nurse died searching for a man stranded in Hurricane Helene floodwaters
- Tragic Hero: Nurse Dies Rescuing Man In Hurricane
