In Atlanta, Georgia, along the Peachtree Creek, a woman was driving into floodwater and begging for help. Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen was captured on camera wading towards her.
He was heard comforting the terrified motorist before announcing to the audience, “I’m going to go see if I can help this lady out a little bit more.” You people. I’ll be back.
Shortly after, the woman was seen clinging on the meteorologist as he strode back towards the camera.
After the rescue, Mr. Van Dillen stated in an interview that the woman was “still strapped in” when he arrived at the car, even though the water was nearly neck deep.
She was practically neck deep under water in her own automobile since the water was rising and entering the vehicle,” he said.
Subramaniam Vincent, the director of journalism and media ethics at Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, commended Mr. Van Dillen for his activities, citing them as an illustration of how a reporter’s job intersects with human responsibility.