North Augusta Honors Local Heroes Who Rescued Elderly Man During Tropical Storm Helene

North Augusta Celebrates Brave Citizens Who Saved a Life During Storm

In a heartwarming event, the city of North Augusta honored five brave citizens on November 18, 2024, who came to the rescue during the chaos of Tropical Storm Helene. It was a day filled with gratitude as Mayor Briton Williams and local officials came together to recognize those who displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness.

How One Saved Life Sparked a Community Celebration

It was a typical windswept morning on September 27, when 94-year-old Don Hostetler found himself trapped in his own home. A large tree had fallen on his bedroom, leaving him pinned in bed. The winds were howling, and the storm was unforgiving, but thankfully, help was on the way. Hostetler’s granddaughter, Eva Mays, vividly remembers that frightening three-hour ordeal. “It was absolutely terrifying. Helpless for three hours and not having anyone come,” she recalled. When help finally arrived, the sight of five “strangers in the house” brought a wave of relief.

A Community Response like No Other

As fate would have it, North Augusta Public Safety Sergeant Kyle Golden was traversing the storm-ravaged streets on foot due to his patrol car being damaged. By pure chance, he crossed paths with Matthew Turner, who expressed a desire to assist during the chaotic situation. The two joined forces, and that’s when the real action began. They were soon joined by other local heroes: William “Billy” Holsonback, Ryan Raskin, Matthew Berry, and Daniel Holsonback, all stepping up to assist, despite the looming danger of the storm.

Once at Hostetler’s home, the crew discovered that they couldn’t immediately determine if the elderly man was alive due to the circumstances surrounding him. The wind still raged as debris shifted precariously above them. “It was just such a relief to see strangers in the house,” added Eva, thanking them for their heroic deeds. The tension rose as Golden warned the crew about the dangers of moving under such unstable conditions, but they persisted, and their determination truly shone through.

Against All Odds: A Risky Rescue

Their collective efforts led to a remarkable rescue. Golden, along with two of the other men, managed to lift a large piece of debris off Hostetler. The rest of the team supported him, working together to free the trapped man. Each second counted, and the teamwork displayed could very well have saved Hostetler’s life. Mayor Williams emphasized, “Had the five civilians not aided Golden, there was a high probability that [Hostetler] would not have been freed in time.”

Hostetler was quickly taken to a local hospital, and thanks to the prompt actions of both the civilians and the emergency responders, he recovered with minor injuries. That day, he was spared a tragic fate, all thanks to the brave souls who came together to aid him despite the storm’s fury.

A Legion of Local Heroes

During the recognition ceremony, the Mayor presented a formal proclamation to those involved, praising them for their courage and compassion. “North Augusta is blessed to have such thoughtful, caring, and compassionate citizens who were not afraid to risk life and limb to come to the aid of someone they didn’t even know,” Mayor Williams stated, genuinely proud of their actions.

Eva and Karen Mays, Don’s family, were touched by the community’s appreciation. With a heart full of gratitude, Eva noted, “I’m happy to see the community come together to celebrate these heroes.”

North Augusta, a city of compassion, has shown that even in the face of despair, the spirit of community can shine bright. Not all heroes wear capes; sometimes, they just show up when you need them most.