Ted Budd: “Even in the face of devastation, North Carolinians showed remarkable strength, unity, and compassion. Today, I rise to…”

“Even in the face of devastation, North Carolinians showed remarkable strength, unity, and compassion. Today, I rise to recognize Mr. Eddie Hunnell of Holly Springs, NC, who exemplified that spirit. On Friday, September 27, 2024, floodwaters surged through the North Fork New River in Grassy Creek, NC. Mr. Hunnell had made a 3-hour trip to Western North Carolina to celebrate his son's wedding. But what should have been a joyous occasion quickly turned into a crisis. As rising water carried trees, furniture, and other debris downstream, Mr. Hunnell spotted a 66-year-old Grassy Creek resident in distress, Ms. Leslie Worth. She was wearing a life jacket. She was standing in the second-story bedroom window of her home that had been knocked from its foundation. Ms. Worth bravely jumped out of the window to save her own life. She plunged into the dangerous conditions and was swept up by the current. And without a moment's hesitation, Mr. Hunnell made the brave decision to attempt to rescue her. He steered a canoe through the flood, then, undeterred by the raging current, leapt into the water and swam to reach her. Through determination and resolve, he swam to her to safer ground, undoubtedly saving her life.”