One tragic story emerging from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is that of Boone McCrary, an emergency room nurse who lost his life while attempting to rescue a man stranded by the flooding Nolichucky River in Tennessee. McCrary, along with his girlfriend and beloved chocolate lab Moss, set out on his fishing boat to assist the stranded individual. However, debris in the water caused the boat’s motor to jam, leading to a fatal accident where the boat capsized, resulting in the loss of McCrary and Moss. It took several days for search teams to recover their bodies and find McCrary, highlighting the dangers faced by first responders during natural disasters.
David Boutin, the man McCrary was trying to rescue, expressed deep sorrow upon learning of McCrary’s sacrifice. Boutin, who was also rescued from the floodwaters after enduring a harrowing ordeal, described McCrary as his guardian angel for risking his life to save him.
The tragedy of McCrary’s death adds to the toll of Hurricane Helene, which claimed the lives of 215 individuals across several states. McCrary was known for his love of hunting, fishing, and exploring the rivers around Greeneville, Tennessee. Described as a compassionate individual by his coworkers, McCrary’s last act of heroism has left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
McCrary’s sister, Laura Harville, mobilized a large volunteer effort to search for her brother, with individuals using drones, thermal cameras, and hunting dogs to aid in the search and recovery mission. Despite the challenges posed by the treacherous conditions, McCrary’s body was eventually located after being swept over multiple bridges and dams by the powerful floodwaters.
Boutin, who lost his dog Buddy during the disaster and narrowly escaped with his own life, expressed gratitude for McCrary’s selfless act. He remains uncertain about his future but is grateful for the opportunity to thank McCrary for his sacrifice.
The tragic event underscores the risks faced by individuals during natural disasters and the bravery of those who put their lives on the line to help others. McCrary’s legacy as a compassionate and fearless individual who lived life to the fullest serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and selflessness in the face of adversity.
