During live coverage of Hurricane Helene in Atlanta, Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen paused his broadcast to rescue a woman trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. As Peachtree Creek overflowed, the woman’s car became stuck in dangerous waters, prompting Van Dillen to intervene after calling 911.
While Fox News has faced recent criticism for its liberal shift, Van Dillen’s actions showed that individual reporters are still capable of heroic efforts. When it became clear that emergency responders might not arrive quickly enough, Van Dillen entered the water and carried the woman to safety.
The live broadcast captured the tense moments leading up to the rescue, and Van Dillen’s colleagues later expressed admiration for his courage. Steve Doocy of Fox & Friends noted that the crew could hear the woman’s screams during the report, adding to the urgency of the situation. Janice Dean, another Fox meteorologist, praised Van Dillen for his quick thinking, emphasizing how well she knew him to be someone who always goes above and beyond.
The woman was picked up by her husband after the rescue, and Van Dillen’s reputation for selflessness was cemented. Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding Fox News, Van Dillen’s actions shone a light on the positive influence reporters can have during moments of crisis.
