**Heroic Rescue: North Carolina Man Saves Woman from Floodwaters**

Eddie Hunnell, a 57-year-old from Holly Springs, North Carolina, made a brave decision to leap into fast-moving waters to rescue a woman in distress. Hunnell was in Grassy Creek, attending his son Austin Hunnell's wedding preparations, when he noticed floodwaters from Hurricane Helene threatening Lesley Worth's home.

The tense situation unfolded as bystanders along the banks of the New River watched in horror, calling out for Worth to confirm her safety. Realizing that Worth was trapped, Hunnell assessed his options quickly.

"When it was happening, I was trying to make a calculated risk. How do we save her?" Hunnell told NBC affiliate WRAL in an interview.

Equipped with a life vest and a rope, Hunnell dove into the turbulent waters, eliciting gasps from the crowd. Hunnell's swimming background as a former lifeguard and swim team member gave him confidence in his ability to brave the currents. "I grew up swimming on a swim team. I was a lifeguard, (and I'm in) OK shape and I just couldn't watch her die. I felt like I needed to do that," he recounted.

Once the adrenaline wore off, and Hunnell lay down that night, the enormity of his actions began to set in. "It didn't really hit me until I lay down in bed that night and about had a panic attack, but I didn't see another option," he revealed.

Despite losing all their possessions in the flood, Lesley Worth and her husband were profoundly thankful to be alive. They showed their gratitude by attending the wedding rehearsal dinner as guests, celebrating life amidst the chaos.