Five University of Georgia Kappa Alpha Theta sisters pulled over on a rural Georgia road on March 15, 2024, when they spotted Cori Craft's SUV sinking into Brier Creek - wading in, freeing her and both sons, then watching Clarke Jones drop to her knees and perform CPR on a four-year-old whose lips had turned blue. About a minute and a half later, he opened his mouth and started crying. The sheriff's office made all five honorary deputies.
Five Sorority Sisters Dragged a Family from a Sinking SUV - Then Revived the Youngest
Five college students heading to a St. Patrick's Day weekend in Savannah never expected their road trip to become a rescue mission. But when they crossed a bridge over Brier Creek near Sardis, Georgia, and saw a white SUV disappearing below the surface, they did not hesitate.
The Moment Everything Changed
On March 15, 2024, Molly McCollum, Jane McArdle, Eleanor Cart, Clarke Jones, and Kaitlyn Iannace - all members of UGA's Kappa Alpha Theta chapter - spotted the crash from the road. Cori Craft had lost control of her SUV, which had veered off the bridge and dropped roughly two stories into Brier Creek below. The car was already almost fully submerged by the time the five women reached the water's edge.
Into the Water
Craft surfaced and screamed, "My kids are in the car." The sisters waded in. They got the older son out quickly. But the four-year-old was still buckled in his car seat underwater. They dove down, freed him from the belt, and pulled him to the surface - after he had been submerged for roughly four to five minutes. He was completely unresponsive. His lips were blue. He was not breathing.
A Minute and a Half
Clarke Jones had worked as a lifeguard in high school. She dropped to her knees on the bank and started CPR. McCollum later recalled the moment the boy responded: "He opened his mouth and started crying" after about a minute and a half. The whole group - the sisters, Craft, bystanders - broke down immediately. "We all just kind of looked at each other, and instantly started sobbing," McCollum said.
What Happened After
Cori Craft and both sons were transported to hospital and released the following day. Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams made all five women honorary deputies in recognition of their actions. UGA President Jere W. Morehead issued an official lifesaving heroism proclamation. The sisters were later surprised on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where they were reunited with the Craft family on national television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the five sorority sisters who rescued the family in Georgia?
What happened to Cori Craft and her sons after the rescue?
Who performed CPR on the child?
How were the sorority sisters recognized for their actions?
Where exactly did the rescue take place?
Verified Fact
Names confirmed across ABC News/GMA, Fox 5 Atlanta, Kappa Alpha Theta official blog, and ABC7. Sorority: Kappa Alpha Theta, UGA (Gamma Delta chapter). Date: March 15 2024. Location: Brier Creek, Sardis, Burke County GA. CPR performer: Clarke Jones (lifeguard-trained). CPR duration: ~1-1.5 minutes per Fox5/GMA. Child age: 4 years old. All three survived; family released next day per Fox5. YouTube video verified live: 2ZV7oHZid3A (ABC News). Note: older son age not confirmed in any source - not included in text. /22 score: 21 (stored as 19 due to DB constraint max).
ABC News / Good Morning AmericaRelated Topics
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