Spring Break
Student awarded medal for saving drowning man
ALEX BUSKO
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: News
A red flag was flying above the beach, and Kyle Christopherson watched from his pool deck as a man waded out into the surf. Soon, the riptide swallowed 47-year-old Daniel Broaddus and carried him 150 feet from shore. Christopherson, who heard the screams of Broaddus's wife and child, ran to the water and saved him in July 2007.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced this month that Christopherson, 20, a junior from Oxford, Ga., was among 25 recipients of its Carnegie Medal, awarded to those who unflinchingly risk their own lives to save others from danger.
"We were on a private beach, so the beach patrol wasn't really nearby," he said. "I watched him go out into the water. I knew he probably shouldn't be doing that."
By the time Christopherson made his way to Broaddus, they both were exhausted and running on adrenaline.
The men caught their breath on a submerged sandbar before Christopherson swam Broaddus back to the beach, moving toward the shore at a 45 degree angle and using only one arm to paddle.
Witnesses told him it took 10 minutes before the two had broken through the riptide and were finally safe.
Christopherson said he and Broaddus had not spoken since it happened.
"I'm just glad he's still around for his wife and family," he said.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced this month that Christopherson, 20, a junior from Oxford, Ga., was among 25 recipients of its Carnegie Medal, awarded to those who unflinchingly risk their own lives to save others from danger.
"We were on a private beach, so the beach patrol wasn't really nearby," he said. "I watched him go out into the water. I knew he probably shouldn't be doing that."
By the time Christopherson made his way to Broaddus, they both were exhausted and running on adrenaline.
The men caught their breath on a submerged sandbar before Christopherson swam Broaddus back to the beach, moving toward the shore at a 45 degree angle and using only one arm to paddle.
Witnesses told him it took 10 minutes before the two had broken through the riptide and were finally safe.
Christopherson said he and Broaddus had not spoken since it happened.
"I'm just glad he's still around for his wife and family," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
CoastalDawg
posted 10/07/08 @ 11:48 AM EST
Way to go Red and Black - THIS story should be the main front page headline, not some sleazy story about someone who got drunk and MIGHT have been raped in the aftermath. (Continued…)
Robert W. Perkins...Mu 1356
posted 10/17/08 @ 4:51 PM EST
I graduated from Mu, Georgia, myself, and am very proud of this young man's lifesaving actions. I am informed that they have now moved off River Road, but just where to, I do not know. (Continued…)
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