TN Nurse and Dog Die While Attempting Hurricane Rescue
Image: Laura Harville via AP
Boone McCrary, a 46-year-old emergency room nurse from Tennessee, lost his life while attempting to rescue a man trapped by floodwaters after Hurricane Helene. The storm wreaked havoc across six states, leaving many people stranded in dangerous conditions. McCrary and his girlfriend, Santana Ray, took to a boat with their dog Moss to save David Boutin, whose home was destroyed by the flooding of the Nolichucky River.
The Rescue Attempt
While navigating the floodwaters, their boat's engine failed after hitting debris, and the vessel collided with a bridge support before capsizing. Ray survived the accident, but tragically, McCrary and Moss were swept away by the strong current.
Despite McCrary’s best efforts, the rescue turned fatal for him and his dog.
Search and Recovery
McCrary's sister, Laura Harville, spearheaded a massive search effort, mobilizing volunteers, drones, thermal imaging, binoculars, and search dogs in a desperate attempt to locate her brother. They eventually found McCrary’s body four days after the incident. His dog Moss was recovered two days earlier.
David Boutin, the man McCrary had set out to rescue, was eventually saved after clinging to tree branches for six hours. Upon learning of McCrary's tragic fate, Boutin expressed profound gratitude and sorrow, referring to his would-be rescuer as his "guardian angel."
A Lasting Impact on the Community
Boone McCrary was not only a dedicated nurse but also an avid hunter and fisherman who had offered assistance to friends on Facebook when the hurricane struck. His passion for the outdoors and his willingness to help others in need were defining traits that made his loss all the more poignant.
As the community grieves the loss of Boone McCrary, his story is a reminder of the dedication and bravery that healthcare workers embody every day. His decision to risk his own life to help someone in need reflects the selflessness and commitment that define the nursing profession, where putting others first is often part of the job.
