A retired TV news anchor fell into a ravine while hiking in a remote part of a national park – prompting first responders to carry out a daring rescue that included tying her to a rope and airlifting her.
Carol Sbarge, who worked for an ABC affiliate in Atlanta for nearly three decades, went on a hike in September with her boyfriend in the Chattahoochee National Forest — located in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of northern Georgia.
“So somehow, as I was walking down the path, my foot hit a rock. And before I knew it, I just went tumbling into this valley,” Sbarge told WSB-TV while recounting the terrifying incident.
Sbarge, 67, suffered severe injuries that prevented her from getting out of Panther Creek Falls under her own power.
“I was broken [the lower leg] in three points,” she said.
Sbarge had to have a plate and eight screws installed in her leg.
Since she and her boyfriend were hiking in a remote location, they had trouble calling 911. Another nearby hiker spotted the two and notified authorities.
Rescue workers with Habersham County Emergency Services responded to the area, but realized Sbarge’s location was not accessible by car or SUV.
So they walked two miles to reach Sbarge. They then strapped him to a skateboard and strapped him to a helicopter.
Officials said it was the first time they had conducted an aerial evacuation of a hiker at Panther Creek Falls.
Sbarge was airlifted and flown 3.6 miles before she was admitted to a local hospital.
“They are just special people. They put themselves in danger. You know, every day they don’t know what kind of danger they’re going to face,” Sbarge said of the rescue workers.
“It’s wonderful. It means we’ve done our job,” said paramedic Phillip Kimbrell.
“We’ve done a good job on that and taken it where it needed to go. So it makes me feel good all around.”
“And it’s amazing. I am very grateful”, said Sbarge.
The Post has sought comment from Sbarge.
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