11 hours ago
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A retired television news anchor fell into a ravine while hiking in a remote part of a national park — prompting first responders to carry out a daring rescue that included tying her to a rope and having her airlifted by chopper.
Carol Sbarge, who worked for an ABC affiliate in Atlanta for nearly three decades, went on a hike in September with her boyfriend in Chattahoochee National Forest — tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of northern Georgia.
“So somehow, as I was kind of walking on the trail, my foot hit a rock. And before I knew it, I just went tumbling down this ravine,” Sbarge told WSB-TV as she recounting the harrowing incident.
Sbarge, 67, suffered serious injuries which prevented her from hiking out of Panther Creek Falls on her own power.
“I broke [the lower leg] in three spots,” she said.
Sbarge had to have a plate and eight screws installed in her leg.
Since she and her boyfriend were hiking in a remote spot, they had trouble calling 911. Another hiker nearby spotted the two and alerted authorities.
Rescue workers with the Habersham County Emergency Services drove out to the area but realized that Sbarge’s location wasn’t accessible by car or jeep.
So they hiked two miles to reach Sbarge. They then strapped her onto a wheeled board and tied it to a chopper.
Officials said it was the first time ever that they carried out an airborne evacuation of a hiker in Panther Creek Falls.
Sbarge was airlifted and flown for 3.6 miles before she was admitted into a local hospital.
“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,” Sbarge said of the rescue workers.
“It’s wonderful. Means we’ve done our job,” paramedic Phillip Kimbrell said.
“We’ve done a good job at it and we got her to wherever needed to be. So makes me feel great all over.”
“And it’s amazing. I’m very appreciative,” Sbarge said.
The Post has sought comment from Sbarge.
English (US)