‘Godsent angels’: Man saved from drowning by 3 boys after ATV crash

WORTH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB/Gray News) – A man in Georgia said divine timing and the courage of three local boys saved his life after a terrifying ATV crash at his pond.

On Oct. 17, George Etheredge was spraying weeds around the water’s edge using a four-wheeler with a 25-gallon tank strapped to the back. In just seconds, the ATV slid too close to the bank and flipped, trapping him underneath in the water.

“I couldn’t move my arms or legs,” Etheredge said. “Only half my head was above water. I could pick my head up just enough to breathe and scream for help, then go back under.”

He struggled to stay conscious for nearly 30 minutes, calling for help and praying someone would hear him.

Three boys, Griffin McDonald, Bentley Culpepper and Colt Hartsfield, were fishing hundreds of yards away when, in what Etheredge called a miracle, they heard his faint cries. They ran toward the sound and found Etheredge pinned under the four-wheeler.

Unable to lift the heavy machine, the boys sprinted to the nearest house for help.

Glenn Creamer, Etheredge’s neighbor, and his family rushed to the scene.

“Glenn jumped into the pond and became Superman,” Etheredge said. “With one try, no second grip, he flipped that four-wheeler off me like it was an air mattress.”

Creamer pulled Etheredge safely to shore.

Etheredge was taken to the emergency room, suffering fractures in his shoulder and back, but is expected to recover fully.

He credits the boys and the timing of their fishing trip with saving his life.

“They’re nothing less than heroes,” Etheredge said. “Just more proof that God is always with us.”

Etheredge is now hoping the community can help recognize Creamer, McDonald, Culpepper and Hartsfield for their bravery and quick action.

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