Beloved TV News Anchor Rescued After Falling Into Ravine During Hike
A thrilling rescue operation took place when Carol Sbarge, a well-known television news anchor from Georgia, found herself in a precarious situation during a hike in Chattahoochee National Forest. Sbarge, who had worked for WSB-TV for nearly thirty years, embarked on a peaceful hike with her boyfriend in September. Little did she know that her tranquil outing would turn into a perilous adventure.
A Tumultuous Tumble
As she was walking along the trail, Sbarge’s foot accidentally hit a rock, causing her to lose her footing and tumble down a steep ravine. In the blink of an eye, she found herself in a dangerous predicament. Recounting the incident, Sbarge shared, “Before I knew it, I just went tumbling down this ravine.”
Injuries and Communication Challenges
During her descent, Sbarge unfortunately broke her ankle in three places. Her boyfriend immediately attempted to call for emergency assistance, but their remote location hindered their ability to reach out for help. Their desperate pleas went unanswered, leaving them stranded and in need of assistance.
A Heroic Intervention
Fortunately, another hiker came to their rescue and went out of their way to connect with the Habersham County Emergency Services. The remote location posed a challenge, but the determination of the hiker prevailed. After hiking outside the trail for some distance, they were finally able to make contact with the emergency services.
A Daring Rescue Operation
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, hiking two miles on the trail to reach Sbarge. They were confronted with a steep drop-off where she had fallen. Relying on ropes and a helicopter, they carefully lifted her from the ravine. This incredible feat marked the first-ever airborne evacuation of a hiker in Panther Creek Falls, according to officials.
Road to Recovery
Sbarge was airlifted and flown 3.6 miles to a local hospital, where she underwent surgery for her ankle. The procedure involved the placement of eight screws and a metal plate to stabilize the fractures. Despite her injuries, Sbarge expressed gratitude for the rescue workers, acknowledging the risks they face daily. “They’re just special people. They’re putting themselves at risk. You know, every day they don’t know what kind of danger they’re going to face,” she remarked.
Seeking Comments
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Habersham County Emergency Services for their input on the incident. Their perspectives would shed further light on the challenges faced during the rescue operation and the importance of their work in such critical situations.
