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

Video of a heroic rescue by a Tennessee state trooper during the flooding from Hurricane Helene has emerged. Even after being rescued herself, the trooper, identified as Hannah Smathers, immediately went back to work to assist another stranded individual in need.

Jason Pack, a former FBI special agent and currently serving as the director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, recounted the courageous actions of Trooper Smathers during the Hurricane Helene calamity in an interview with Fox News Digital.

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

“While I was working on a crash report in the office, a call came in asking for assistance in checking the roads for flooding in Unicoi,” shared Smathers during an installment of the “Hurricane Helene Heroes” series. “This kind of request is quite common during severe weather conditions. They specifically needed me to inspect Spivey Mountain Road, so I immediately headed in that direction and arrived promptly.”

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 [email protected]

You May Also Like
Trump administration deports 100K illegal migrants since inauguration: report

Clarification from DHS following Venezuelan government’s assertion that TdA gang members’ children were ‘kidnapped’

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to accusations by the Venezuelan…
‘Étoile’s Luke Kirby And Gideon Glick On Starring In The Palladino’s Ambitious Ballet Series: “This Is Important Stuff. I Think It’s Vital Now.”

Étoile’s Luke Kirby And Gideon Glick Discuss Their Roles in The Palladino’s Ambitious Ballet Series: “This Is Significant. It’s Crucial at the Moment.”

Just after bidding farewell to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in 2023, Luke…
Reporter's Notebook: From John Paul II to Francis, covering two historic papacies

“Journalist’s Account: Reporting on Two Momentous Papacies, From John Paul II to Francis”

The deaths of two popes, Francis and John Paul II, occurred almost…
‘The Sopranos’ Creator Was Unsure James Gandolfini Would Be “Threatening Enough” For Tony Soprano Role

The creator of ‘The Sopranos’ doubted if James Gandolfini could portray a sufficiently intimidating Tony Soprano.

David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, shared insights into the casting…
Brutal reality check for Shedeur Sanders as Browns rookie and GM break their silence on epic NFL Draft tumble

Harsh truth hits Shedeur Sanders as Browns rookie and GM finally speak out about dramatic NFL Draft fall

Shedeur Sanders got a dose of reality after falling to the 144th…
US politics: Who is Hannah Dugan, Milwaukee judge accused of helping undocumented immigrant 'evade arrest'?

Accusations of Milwaukee judge aiding undocumented immigrant to avoid arrest: Who is Hannah Dugan?

Hannah Dugan, the judge from Milwaukee, has gained attention for allegedly assisting…
Mighty and meek attend Pope Francis' funeral in St. Peter's Square, a ceremony he helped reimagine

People from all walks of life gather at St. Peter’s Square to honor the passing of Pope Francis, who played a role in revamping the funeral ceremony.

VATICAN CITY — World leaders and Catholic faithful said their goodbyes to…
PHOTO GALLERY: Pope Francis' Funeral

Collection of Images: The Burial of Pope Francis

<!–> –> Published April 26, 2025 9:08am EDT Image 1 of 14…
Astonishing true story Titanic's James Cameron wanted to tell that finally reveals if Jack could fit on floating door

The Intriguing True Story James Cameron of Titanic Reveals: Could Jack Fit on the Floating Door?

For over twenty years, a significant debate in the world of cinema…
Chicago crash: Video shows good Samaritans rescue truck driver after rollover crash on I-57 | ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

“Chicago Accident: Video Captures Rescuers Helping Truck Driver After Rollover on I-57 | Exclusive by ABC7”

CHICAGO (WLS) — Exclusive cellphone footage obtained by ABC7 captured the frantic…
Nearly 800 illegal aliens arrested in massive Florida ICE operation: 'Tidal Wave'

Large-scale Florida ICE operation results in the arrest of nearly 800 undocumented immigrants: ‘Massive Sweep’

During the initial days of Operation Tidal Wave, U.S. Immigration and Customs…
I Cannot Believe They Just Did That To Michael Emerson’s Character In The Latest Episode Of ‘Elsbeth’ 

Shocking Development for Michael Emerson’s Character in the Newest ‘Elsbeth’ Episode

It’s safe to say I did not see that one coming. After…