ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — A North Carolina Department of Transportation worker in Ashe County is being recognized for his heroic actions after pulling an older driver to safety when the New River flooded during Hurricane Helene.
When the storm hit, the North Fork rose 22 feet. A woman went to make sure her friend was alright, but her car got stuck in the rising water.
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Steve Farrington was clearing fallen trees during the storm when he spotted the woman trapped in her car along Old Field Creek Road.
“It was adrenaline rush,” Farrington said. “I didn’t think much. I just knew I had to get her out of the water.”
Farrington said he remembers getting into the water to help her out. He says he pulled the door open and water began rushing into the vehicle. He said he almost got swept off his feet.
“She was just in panic mode, and she was screaming, ‘Help me. Help me,’” Farrington said.
Farrington then carried the woman away from the car and back up the hillside to safety. He says he has not seen the driver since that night and isn’t sure who she was, but he says it was a miracle he was there to help.
Channel 9 asked Farrington if he considers himself a hero.
“No, I done what anyone else would have done,” he said. “Being here with the DOT, we’re here to serve everyone and make sure the highways are safe.”
At the time NCDOT crews were working 12 to 14-hour shifts.
Ashe county had more than 1,100 sites that were damaged by Helene.
VIDEO: Helene: 1 Year Later
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