RHS alumnus and FOX meteorologist Bob Van Dillen (Class of 1991) paused the start of his live, on-air weather report to save a woman trapped in her car amid the rising floodwaters of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27.

“I was in Atlanta and setting up for a live shot about the flooding that was happening behind me,” Van Dillen explained.

He and his cameraman were setting up for the early-morning broadcast alongside Peachtree Creek, Georgia. The creek had overflowed due to heavy rains caused by Hurricane Helene, and the pre-dawn darkness made conditions especially dangerous for drivers.

“There were no road closure signs where she drove in, and it was pitch black,” Van Dillen said. “We didn’t hear the car hit the water. All we heard was her screaming for help.”

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Van Dillen and his photographer attempted to call 911, but immediately learned that first responders were overwhelmed with other rescues in the area. With the water levels rising rapidly, Van Dillen knew he had to act quickly.

“The current was strong but not horrible, and I made it to her in less than 30 seconds,” Van Dillen said. He pushed against the currents through waist-deep water to reach the drowning woman, later identified as Angelina, who was unable to exit her vehicle.

After safely getting Angelina out of her car, he brought her to his own vehicle, where he gave her one of his extra shirts to warm up. He turned on the heater to keep her warm while they waited for her husband and first responders to arrive on the scene.

“I don’t consider myself a hero; I think anyone would have done the same,” Van Dillen said. “Growing up surfing at the Jersey shore helped me read the water and the current, so that was a blessing for sure.”

Van Dillen’s quick thinking and bravery led to a life saved amid the hurricane. Being the true journalist that he is, right after saving her, Van Dillen completed his broadcast, sharing critical updates about the ongoing flooding.