WATCH: Hero cop rescued from Hurricane Helene flash flood, immediately helps injured man: 'It's what we do'
Share and Follow

Video captured a Tennessee state trooper’s heroic rescue during Hurricane Helene flooding after she was rescued and went straight back to work to help another stranded person.

Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent and director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, shared with Fox News Digital the bravery Trooper Hannah Smathers displayed during the Hurricane Helene disaster.

Pack said Smathers was finishing a crash report from the previous shift when dispatch received a call to assist with checking flood-prone roadways.

“I was actually in the office, finishing a crash report from the previous day, when we got a call to assist Unicoi with checking the roadway for flooding,” Smathers recalled during an interview on the “Hurricane Helene Heroes” series. “That’s a pretty common call when there’s bad weather. They wanted me to check Spivey Mountain Road, so I headed out. It didn’t take long to get there.” 

Businesses under flood water

Newport, Tennessee was one of many communities impacted by Hurricane Helene flooding.   (Snowbird Mountain Coffee Co.)

Once Smathers gathered herself and was safe, she quickly jumped back into action, soaked and covered in mud.

“Once I got out, I saw another driver had broken his ankle,” Smathers explained. “So I helped carry him to safety too.”

Smathers stayed on shift for the next 18 hours, despite being trapped earlier and still filthy from her own rescue, saying she did it “because it’s what we do.” 

“What I went through was nothing compared to what some people lost that day,” Smathers said.

“I know sometimes it sounds cliché when people say they just want to help others,” she continued. “But that’s really what this job is about. Helping people. Making sure they’re safe. That’s all I was trying to do that day.” 

Col. Matt Perry of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said her actions that day represent all troopers.

“Trooper Smathers showed exactly what we expect from the Highway Patrol troopers – calm under pressure and a heart for service,” Perry said. “She didn’t ask for attention. She just got the job done.”

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long also praised Smathers and said “her actions are a reflection of what our troopers do every day, often without recognition.” 

“What Trooper Smathers did that day exemplifies the dedication our state troopers bring to their communities,” Long said. “She showed courage, humility, and heart. Whether in a flood, a crash scene, or a routine patrol, our troopers are out there every day making Tennessee safer.” 

Hurricane Helene created billions of dollars worth of damage when it destroyed homes, farms and critical infrastructure like roads, bridges and power lines. Parts of highways connecting North Carolina and Tennessee have been closed since late September.

More than 100 people died as a result of the hurricane in North Carolina alone, and the total death count is more than 230 across six states, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. 

Fox News Digital’s Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Succession star Sarah Snook's new thriller is best show of the year

Sarah Snook’s Latest Thriller from ‘Succession’ Hailed as Year’s Top Show

In television dramas, when characters face dire circumstances, the storyline often diverges…
HDOT petitions FAA to consider lifting flight cancelations in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi Urges FAA to Reevaluate Flight Cancelations

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Federal Aviation Administration has classified Honolulu’s Daniel K.…
Arrest made in animal cruelty case involving rescued Great Dane near Jacksonville road

Jacksonville Authorities Arrest Suspect in Great Dane Animal Cruelty Case Following Roadside Rescue

“While we can’t bring Oak back, we can ensure his story has…
Taco Bell's unique Thanksgiving special is dividing customers

Taco Bell’s Bold Thanksgiving Creation: A Feast of Flavor or a Festive Faux Pas?

When you think of Thanksgiving, the first thing that comes to mind…
Seattle mayor election results 2025

Results Announced for the 2025 St. Paul Mayoral Election

In the upcoming election on Tuesday, residents of St. Paul will have…
Hilary Duff addresses rumored feud with sister Haylie

Hilary Duff Breaks Silence on Alleged Rift with Sister Haylie

Hilary Duff recently opened up about “family drama,” addressing longstanding fan speculation…
Farmers’ Almanac to end publication after more than 200 years

Farmers’ Almanac Concludes Publication After Over Two Centuries of Service

The iconic Farmers’ Almanac is set to conclude its publication journey with…
No SNAP benefits to be issued in November as government shutdown stretches on

Court Rulings on SNAP Intensify Food Assistance Challenges Amid Government Shutdown

(The Hill) Over the past week, the Trump administration has successfully contested…