Teen Hero Saves Four Lives in Midnight River Rescue

It was just past 2:30 a.m. on a quiet July night in 2022 when the calm of Moss Point, Mississippi, was shattered by the sharp sound of tires screeching across pavement — followed by a loud splash.

A car carrying three teenage girls had accidentally driven off a boat launch and plunged into the cold, dark waters of the Pascagoula River. Within seconds, the vehicle began sinking beneath the surface, its headlights vanishing into the depths.

From a nearby shore, 16-year-old Corion Evans witnessed the terrifying scene unfold. While most would have frozen or called for help, Corion didn’t wait. He kicked off his shoes, peeled off his shirt, and ran toward the water — driven by instinct and determination.

A Dive into Danger

The river was deep, murky, and unpredictable. The current was strong, and visibility was almost zero. The car was about twenty feet from the shore and sinking fast. For most, it would’ve been too dangerous. For Corion, it was simply what needed to be done.

Guided only by the faint cries for help, Corion swam with urgency. Every stroke was a battle against the weight of the water and the fear that he might be too late. But he didn’t stop.

When he reached the vehicle, he found the girls disoriented and panicking. The car was half-submerged, and they were struggling to keep their heads above water. “I just kept telling them, ‘I got you, it’s okay,’” Corion later recalled.

He helped them climb onto the roof of the car, keeping them calm, steady, and afloat. One by one, he guided them back toward the safety of the shore — all while the current fought to pull them under.

A Fourth Life in Peril

Just as he was leading the final girl to land, Corion heard another voice calling out. Officer Gary Mercer, who had arrived at the scene to assist, had slipped and fallen into the river himself. The officer was struggling to stay above water, battling the same current that had threatened the girls.

Without hesitation, Corion turned back once again — this time to save someone trained to save others. He reached Officer Mercer, helped him stay afloat, and swam with him back toward the riverbank.

In the span of just a few critical minutes, Corion Evans had saved four lives — three teenage girls and a police officer — before the sun had even risen.

A Community Celebrates a Young Hero

When the story spread, Mississippi — and the entire nation — took notice. Corion was hailed as a true hero, not just for his bravery, but for his instinctive willingness to act in the face of danger. The Moss Point Police Chief publicly honored him, praising his courage and quick thinking. Media outlets across the country shared the story, and social media lit up with admiration.

But Corion remained humble. “I was just trying to help,” he said in an interview. “I didn’t even think about it. I just moved.”

His friends, teachers, and family weren’t surprised. They described him as kind, strong-willed, and someone who always looked out for others. What he did that night, they said, was simply an extension of who he was.

More Than a Headline

In a world often filled with bad news, Corion’s story served as a reminder of the good that still exists — the kind of bravery that doesn’t come from training or fame, but from the heart.

His actions turned what could have been a tragic headline into a powerful testament to the strength of human compassion. That night on the Pascagoula River, a teenager with no life jacket, no plan, and no hesitation did what few could have done: he dove into the dark, and brought four people back into the light.

Sometimes heroes don’t wear uniforms or capes. Sometimes they’re barefoot, shirtless, and 16 years old — and they run toward danger simply because someone needed help.